Lionel Messi is expected to sit out Inter Miami's next several matches, including the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, as the Argentine captain takes a mandated recovery period following a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Spain in Sunday's World Cup final.

Messi played all eight matches for Argentina during the tournament, including the full 120 minutes of the final, a 1-0 defeat decided by a Ferran Torres goal in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It marked the third World Cup final appearance of his career, following Argentina's title run in 2022 and its runner-up finish in 2014.

A mandated rest period

Messi is expected to miss Inter Miami's upcoming matches against Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday and CF Montreal on Saturday, along with the MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte on July 29, as part of a recommended 21-day rest period established jointly by FIFA and the global players' union FIFPRO following the World Cup.

Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who also played a key role in Argentina's run to the final, is expected to take the same extended break. His earliest possible return would come against Club Leon on Aug. 12 if he uses the full recovery window, according to reporting on the situation.

For Messi, the earliest possible return to MLS action would be Aug. 1 against the Columbus Crew, though his actual return date will depend on how much of the 21-day recovery period he and the club decide to use.........

© International Business Times