New Lionel Messi Rumors Update Star's Status for Inter Miami, MLS After Argentina's World Cup Run

The Argentina duo of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will "take some time" before rejoining Inter Miami for the 2026 MLS season, per ESPN's Lizzy Becherano.

Per that report, the Inter Miami pair will definitely miss Wednesday's match against Chicago Fire FC and Saturday's contest against CF Montréal and reportedly will miss the MLS All-Star game on July 29 as well.

That means the earlier either would play would be an Aug 1. matchup against Columbus Crew, though both could extend their time off further.

The international representative organization for footballers, FIFPRO, recommends a 21-day rest period following a season, which FIFA agreed to in 2025. If both players take the full three weeks, neither would return until an Aug. 12 Leagues Cup matchup against León.