Lionel Messi made a spectacular return to the Argentina squad this week. The superstar featured in a dominant friendly win against Puerto Rico. Fans around the world were thrilled to see him back in the national team colors. Moreover, his presence immediately lifted the team, leading to a decisive 6-0 victory on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Messi's Impactful Return to La Albiceleste
Playing on familiar turf at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium, Messi didn't miss a beat. Although he did not find the back of the net himself, his influence on the game was undeniable. He played the full 90 minutes and was a creative force throughout the match.
Specifically, Messi provided two crucial assists. His world-class vision and passing were on full display. He first set up Gonzalo Montiel for a goal in the first half. Later, he assisted Lautaro Martínez's second goal in the 83rd minute, sealing a comprehensive win for Argentina. This performance demonstrated that even at 38, his playmaking ability remains at the absolute peak.
Club Form Fuels International Comeback
Messi's return came after a brief, planned absence. He had missed Argentina's previous 1-0 win against Venezuela. This was because he was on duty with his club, Inter Miami. Consequently, his incredible form for his club team was fresh in everyone's mind.
Just last Saturday, he delivered a masterclass performance against Atlanta United. In that match, he scored twice and provided an assist in a 4-0 victory. This form clearly impressed Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni had confirmed he would speak with Messi about his fitness before the friendly. Ultimately, his stellar club performance made his inclusion a straightforward decision.
A Change of Scenery and Fresh Faces
Interestingly, the match against Puerto Rico was not originally planned for Florida. The game was first scheduled to take place at Soldier Field in Chicago. However, concerns over low ticket sales and logistical issues led to a change of venue. The move to Fort Lauderdale proved successful, providing a vibrant atmosphere for the friendly.
The friendly also served as an opportunity for Argentina to experiment with its squad. Coach Scaloni gave some new players a chance to shine on the international stage.
- Jose “Flaco” Lopez of Palmeiras made his national team debut.
- The team showcased its depth with multiple goal scorers.
- Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez both scored twice.
This strategy allowed talented players to make an impression ahead of more competitive fixtures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lionel Messi's return to the Argentina squad was a resounding success. His two assists and commanding presence powered the team to an impressive 6-0 win over Puerto Rico. The victory not only highlights Messi's enduring brilliance but also showcases the growing depth of the Argentinian team. Now, with international duty complete, Messi is expected to return to Inter Miami for their final MLS season game. You can follow his journey on Lionel Messi's official website.
