Messi Set to Return to Argentina Squad for Puerto Rico Friendly
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, announced that he will meet with Lionel Messi during the final training session prior to the friendly match against Puerto Rico, scheduled for Tuesday night at Chase Stadium, to determine if the captain will participate.
Messi missed Argentina’s initial friendly match of the October FIFA window against Venezuela on October 10, opting instead to play for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in Major League Soccer on October 11. In that match, he scored two goals and provided one assist in a 4-0 victory.
Scaloni remarked, “I saw Messi play on Saturday and he performed well. I have not yet spoken with him.” He added, “We will have our last training session before the match tomorrow, and I will consult with him. If he’s fit, he will play.”
Having made his international return following Saturday’s match, Messi is now available for selection. The Argentine Football Association released a statement saying, “Leo’s return creates significant excitement and promises an outstanding atmosphere for this new international challenge.”
This match against Puerto Rico is part of the team’s preparation for upcoming fixtures, allowing the coaching staff to refine their strategies.
In an unusual turn of events, Messi received authorization to compete in Miami’s second-to-last MLS match of the regular season as the team seeks a better position in the Eastern Conference standings to secure home-field advantage for the playoffs.
The friendly against Puerto Rico, initially set for October 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago, has been rescheduled to October 14 in Fort Lauderdale. Argentina will now play at Chase Stadium, which is home to Inter Miami.
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