Messi Set for Shocking Puerto Rico Comeback After Stunning Inter Miami Masterclass

Lionel Messi is back in the fold for Argentina, and let me tell you, it’s stirring up quite the buzz ahead of their friendly against Puerto Rico. After sitting out the nail-biting 1-0 victory over Venezuela—thanks to an agreement letting him suit up for Inter Miami—Messi dazzled once again, bagging two goals and an assist in a 4-0 rout that put him firmly in the MLS record books. Now, Lionel Scaloni’s got the tough job of checking in with the 38-year-old maestro’s fitness before deciding if he’ll grace the pitch at Chase Stadium. Meanwhile, Argentina’s looking to inject fresh talent into the squad, keeping an eye on promising youngsters like Matias Soule, who’s been making waves in Serie A but hasn’t yet been called up, amid speculation he might switch to Italy. It’s a fascinating chapter unfolding for La Albiceleste—as veteran brilliance and youthful potential gear up for their next showdown. LEARN MORE.

Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi has rejoined the Argentina squad and could feature in their upcoming international friendly against Puerto Rico.

Messi was absent from Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela at the weekend after being granted permission to feature for club side Inter Miami against Atlanta United.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or starred for Javier Mascherano’s team, registering two goals and an assist in a 4-0 victory in what was Miami’s penultimate MLS fixture of the season.

His two goals in that game saw Messi become the first player to score at least twice in nine matches during a single MLS regular season, with his league tally now at 26 goals.

Messi returned to international duty following the match on Saturday, making him eligible for selection, though Scaloni said conversations with the 38-year-old needed to be had about his fitness before facing Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.

“I saw Messi play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished well. I haven’t spoken to him yet,” Scaloni told reporters on Monday.

“Now we have the last training session for tomorrow’s match, and as we always do before preparing for the final training, I’ll talk to him and if he’s in condition, he’ll play tomorrow.”

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Scaloni confirmed earlier in the week that Argentina’s “new guys” would feature against Puerto Rico, with some of his talented players aiming to make an impression.

One of the players discussed was Matias Soule, though the Roma forward was not included in Argentina’s squad for the October international window.

Soule has impressed for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season, netting three goals in six Serie A appearances and has played for Argentina at youth level.

Reports have suggested that Soule could switch his allegiance to Italy, given that he qualifies for the Azzurri because he has dual citizenship due to Italian ancestry.

“Soule is in our sights, like many other young players we believe can contribute to the team,” Scaloni added. “He’s been with us, as have Buonanotte, Garnacho, and Carboni.

“They are young players we see with a future in the national team, and we’ll call them up when we see they have the potential to do so. That’s the idea.”