What will Messi do during his 4-month vacation?

Because Inter Miami did not qualify for the MLS championship playoffs, striker Lionel Messi will not play at club level until the new season begins in February 2024.

Since 2003, Messi has played 899 official club matches, not including pre-season friendlies, and 201 appearances for the Argentina national team. On average, the Argentinian star plays 55 matches a year, or more than one match per week.

Because Inter Miami finished second to last in the Eastern Conference and did not qualify for the MLS playoffs, Messi was rumored to be considering joining a European club on loan during the mid-season transfer window, similar to what David Beckham did when he played for LA Galaxy. However, the Argentinian striker denied this.

2023 was a tiring year.

At 36 years old, Messi is still constantly playing for both club and national team. The Argentinian star made 41 appearances for PSG in all competitions before moving to Inter Miami, where he played 14 matches in his first three months at the club.

Messi dribbles the ball during Inter Miami's loss to Charlotte on October 22nd – the team's final game of the 2023 MLS season. Photo: Inter Miami

With the Argentina national team, Messi played 14 matches in 2022 and six matches since the beginning of 2023. During that time, he played a major role in helping the team win the World Cup in Qatar, scoring seven goals, including a brace in the final against France.

In total, Messi has played for three different teams across five different continents. But the 36-year-old striker still has a few friendly matches with Inter Miami, and two international games before officially going on his end-of-year 2023 break.

Tour in China

Before the winter break, Inter Miami will travel to China to play two friendly matches, against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5th and Chengdu Rongchen on November 8th. Inter Miami wants to capitalize on the "Messi craze" in China to further develop its brand.

Back in June, Messi caused a sensation in China when he traveled to Beijing to play Argentina in a friendly match against Australia. Argentina even had to cancel a training session for safety reasons after overly enthusiastic fans gathered around the hotel, preventing the team from leaving.

"We are thrilled to continue expanding the club's global reach, bringing the club to play in front of incredible fans around the globe," said Inter Miami's Chief Commercial Officer Xavier Asensi. "This is a special opportunity to share our passion as we reach new audiences and introduce the club to new locations, and we can't wait to begin this adventure."

But for Messi, the two matches against Qingdao Hainiu and Chengdu Rongchen are not simply about promoting the club's brand, but also about maintaining his fitness and form before joining the Argentine national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.

Argentina's two crucial matches.

The reigning World Cup champions had a perfect start to the qualifying campaign, winning all four of their opening matches, scoring seven goals and conceding none. But next month, Argentina faces a much tougher schedule, hosting Uruguay at home on November 16th and then traveling to Brazil on November 21st.

Messi scores during Argentina's 2-0 victory over hosts Peru in Lima, in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on October 18. Photo: AFA

Goal considers these to be the two biggest matches since Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final about 11 months ago. After fulfilling his duties with the national team, Messi will enjoy his winter break.

Enjoying a winter vacation for the first time.

In Europe's top national leagues, with the exception of the English Premier League, the year-end holidays are a short break after a packed schedule of matches from the beginning of the season.

For Messi, this will be the first time since turning professional that he has had so much time to rest at the end of the year. "This time, I'll have a peaceful holiday with my family in December," the 36-year-old striker stated. "I'll be back in January, starting the pre-season and preparing as best as I can, as always."

Goal commented that this is a valuable break for Messi, both mentally and physically. He will enjoy time with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and his children without having to worry about the next match schedule like he did when he was playing at the highest level in Europe.

"Perhaps this is the first time Messi can simply relax and enjoy his days off," commented an Italian newspaper. "That doesn't mean Messi won't be ready for the pre-season in January. But Messi is clearly looking forward to some personal and family time after 20 consecutive years of dedication."

An eighth Ballon d'Or?

Messi may embark on another trip, even before his Inter Miami tour in China. The Argentinian star is likely to return to Europe, specifically Paris on October 30th, to attend the awards ceremony and receive his eighth Ballon d'Or title.

Messi with his wife Antonella and children at the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, where he won and set a record of winning the world's most prestigious individual award seven times. Photo: AP

Messi is currently the strongest contender for this prestigious award. At club level, Messi hasn't been outstanding, scoring 21 goals and providing 20 assists in 41 matches across all competitions with PSG. However, he has flourished at the national team level, scoring seven goals, including a brace in the final against France, helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. The 36-year-old striker was also awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball – the award for the best player of the tournament in Qatar 2022 – and has won the Man of the Match award five times.

If he continues to be honored by France Football magazine, Messi will become the first player to win the Ballon d'Or while playing for a club outside of Europe. In the summer of 2023, the Argentine star joined Inter Miami on a free transfer, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 13 matches, helping the club win the Leagues Cup but failing to qualify for the MLS championship play-offs.

Preseason

According to Argentinian media, Messi's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, will travel to the United States in early 2024 to play a friendly match against Inter Miami. This will be a tribute match to the contemporary Argentinian legend, although it has not yet been officially announced.

Inter Miami is likely to strengthen its squad in pursuit of the 2024 MLS championship. Coach Gerardo Martino has confirmed that Inter Miami will consider signing Luis Suarez on a free transfer for the upcoming season. The American club is also paving the way for the Uruguayan striker by confirming the departure of Josef Martinez after the 2023 season.

Hong Duy (according to Goal )

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