Messi returns to the team! Argentina prepares for Puerto Rico, and the club champion is expected to appear

After scoring twice and providing an assist on behalf of Inter Miami on Saturday night, helping the team beat Atlanta United 4-0, Messi has taken off his club jersey and put on the blue and white striped jersey of the Argentina national team again. He officially returned to the team on Sunday afternoon and participated in the team training.

The captain of the "Scaloni Legion" is now actively preparing with the national team for the friendly match against Puerto Rico to be held in Miami on Tuesday (October 15). Whether he can play in the game has become the focus of fans' attention.

Absent the game against Venezuela, just to return in the best condition

Previously, Messi did not appear in Argentina's game against Venezuela, but chose to watch the game from the sidelines. This arrangement has triggered speculation from the outside world. But coach Scaloni had hinted before the game that the team would conduct personnel rotations and experiments, such as letting Nico Paas start and provide more playing time for other players.

After the game, Scaloni also made it clear: "It was my decision not to let Messi play. We wanted to give opportunities to Lautaro, Julian (Alvarez) and the 'skinny' Lopez on the bench, and Lopez failed to play. He will play next time." We hope that Messi can participate in the next game."

"Seamless connection" between the club and the national team

Messi's appearance in the club game coincides with the international match day, which is not common. In this regard, Inter Miami coach Mascherano explained the entire process after the team's victory: "The thing is very simple. Yesterday before the game, I communicated with Scaloni, and he told me that Messi would not be used and would let him leave the team. After that, I communicated with Messi himself and confirmed that he can play in this game. That's the way it is."

When asked whether Messi would participate in the game against Puerto Rico, Mascherano did not give an explanation. The correct answer: "I don't know at all, the game has just ended. We have Sunday and Monday off and haven't had time to communicate with Messi or the national team coaching staff. If they contact me, we will see the situation."

Is expected to come on as a substitute and set an example for the newcomers

Although Messi played the entire game at Inter Miami, he only conducted recovery training today to adjust his physical condition. Currently, his career total has reached 886 goals and 396 assists, creating this amazing data in 1,126 games. And he currently leads the MLS scorer list with 26 goals (with only one round left in the league).

While Scaloni no longer has to "test" Messi, having the captain play against young players who are about to make their national team debuts - such as Lautaro Rivero, Anibal Moreno or Lopez - is a valuable learning opportunity in itself.

According to the Argentinian media "Olé", the coaching staff's plan is to let Messi get some playing time in the game against Puerto Rico, either as a starter or as a substitute. The coaching staff will make a final decision based on Messi's physical condition after Monday's training.

It is worth mentioning that this game will be held at the home court of Inter Miami. For Messi, this is undoubtedly a "home game" friendly match. Fans are expected to once again witness the wonderful moment of the world champion wearing the national team jersey and galloping on a familiar venue.