According to Argentine outlet Doble Amarilla, after completing their 2026 World Cup campaign, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will not return to Argentina with the national team. Instead, both players will travel directly from New York to Miami to begin their respective recovery or preparation plans in line with club arrangements.
The Argentine Football Association had earlier confirmed that the national team is scheduled to return to Argentina at 4 p.m. Beijing time tomorrow. Some players, however, will head to different destinations directly from the United States based on their clubs' plans, with Messi and De Paul among them.
The 2026 MLS season has now resumed after its offseason, and Messi's Inter Miami are set to host the Chicago Fire at 7:30 a.m. Beijing time this Thursday. For Inter Miami, Messi's decision is seen as the best possible news after the World Cup as the club looks to maintain its title push.