While starring for Argentina against Australia, Lionel Messi made a hint regarding his Inter Miami debut.
In his team’s triumph over the Aussies on Thursday in an international friendly, Messi scored after just 79 seconds.
After a demanding 41-game season for Paris Saint-Germain, he played the complete 90 minutes.
According to ESPN, the 35-year-old has subsequently signed with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, raising the possibility of when he may play his debut game for his new team.
Asked about his schedule for his new US side, as quoted by Mirror UK, he replied:
“I want to go on my holiday and then afterwards, we go again.”
The 2022 World Cup winners face Indonesia in another friendly next Monday, but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave the Argentina camp for a break, which could last up to three weeks.
He is expected to return to his home country before linking up with Inter Miami, which means he could play his first game in America around mid-to-late July.
Inter Miami faces St. Louis City on July 15, with the MLS All-Star match taking place on July 19 against Premier League runners-up, Arsenal.
“What I said [about Qatar 2022 likely being his last World Cup] is something normal due to age and time. Qualifying matches are coming, then the Copa America; it is very far to think about the World Cup.”
The Argentine veteran also believes one has to enjoy the present.
“…Think about what’s to come, despite the wins – we can’t stay with that.”
The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the States being Messi’s new home country.
Messi snubs City’s youngster request
Sports Brief also reported on Messi snubbing Australia’s Alex Robertson for a jersey switch at the end of their international friendly on June 15.
The veteran captained Argentina to a 2-0 win in Beijing, with the departing Paris Saint-Germain forward scoring the fastest goal of his stellar career.
After the game, Robertson was seemingly ignored by Messi, with the Manchester City player unable to attract the attention of the new MLS man.
Messi on 2026 World Cup
Messi was also asked about the prospect of representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The forward, who will be 39 when the next tournament rolls around, said it would be difficult:
“What I said [about Qatar 2022 likely being his last World Cup] is something normal due to age and time. Qualifying matches are coming, then the Copa America; it is very far to think about the World Cup.”
The Argentine veteran also believes one has to enjoy the present.
“…Think about what’s to come, despite the wins – we can’t stay with that.”
The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the States being Messi’s new home country.