What will Messi do during his 4-month vacation?

Because Inter Miami did not have a ticket to the MLS championship playoff, striker Lionel Messi will not play at the club level until the new season starts in February 2024.

Since 2003, Messi has played 899 official club games, not including pre-season friendlies, and 201 for Argentina. On average, the Argentine star plays 55 games a year, or more than one game a week.

With Inter Miami second to last in the Eastern Conference and failing to qualify for the MLS playoffs, Messi was rumored to be considering a mid-season loan move to a European club, much like David Beckham did when he played for LA Galaxy. However, the Argentine striker has denied this.

2023 is tiring

At 36, Messi is still struggling at club and international level. The Argentine star played 41 times for PSG in all competitions before moving to Inter Miami, where he played 14 games in his first three months at the club.

Messi dribbles during Inter Miami's loss to Charlotte on October 22 - the team's final match of the 2023 MLS season. Photo: Inter Miami

With the Argentina national team, Messi played 14 matches in 2022 and six matches from the beginning of 2023. In which, he made a great contribution to helping the team win the World Cup in Qatar, when he scored seven goals, including a double in the final match against France.

In all, Messi has played for three different teams on five different continents. But the 36-year-old still has a few friendlies with Inter Miami, and two international matches before he officially enters the final break of 2023.

Tour in China

Before the winter break, Inter Miami will travel to China and play two friendly matches, against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5 and Chengdu Rongchen on November 8. Inter Miami wants to take advantage of the "Messi craze" in China to continue developing its brand.

In June, Messi created a stir in China when he traveled to Beijing to play a friendly with Australia with Argentina. Argentina even had to cancel a training session for safety reasons after "overly enthusiastic" fans gathered around the team's hotel, preventing them from leaving.

“We are excited to continue to expand the club’s global reach, bringing the club to incredible fans around the world,” said Inter Miami Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi. “This is a unique opportunity to share our passion as we reach new audiences and showcase the club in new locations, and we can’t wait to get started on this adventure.”

But for Messi, the two matches against Qingdao Hainiu and Chengdu Rongchen are not only to help the club promote its brand, but also to help him maintain his fitness and form before joining the Argentina team to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.

Two important matches for Argentina

The reigning World Cup champions have made a perfect start to qualifying, winning all four of their opening matches, scoring seven goals and conceding none. But next month, Argentina face a much tougher schedule, hosting Uruguay on November 16 and then travelling to Brazil on November 21.

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

Goal commented that these are the two biggest matches since Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final about 11 months ago. After completing his duty with the team, Messi will enjoy the winter break.

First time enjoying winter break

In Europe's top national leagues, except for the Premier League, the year-end holidays are a short break after a busy schedule from the beginning of the season.

For Messi, this will be the first time since he became a professional player that he has had so much time to rest at the end of the year. "This time, I will have a peaceful holiday with my family in December," the 36-year-old striker said. "I will return in January, start the pre-season and prepare as best as possible, as always."

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

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

Eighth Ballon d'Or?

Messi could be on another trip, even before Inter Miami tour China. The Argentine star will likely return to Europe, specifically Paris on the evening of October 30, to attend the Awards Gala and receive his eighth Ballon d'Or.

Messi with his wife Antonella and children at the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, where he won and set a record of winning 7 of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. Photo: AP

Messi is currently the strongest candidate for this prestigious title. At club level, Messi has not played very well with 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 matches in all competitions with PSG. But he has excelled at the national team level, scoring seven goals, including a double in the final match 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 best player 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 could not win a place in the playoffs to compete for the MLS championship.

Pre-season

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

Inter Miami will likely strengthen its squad to aim for the 2024 MLS championship. In particular, coach Gerardo Martino confirmed that Inter Miami will consider the possibility of recruiting Luis Suarez as a free transfer for the new season. The American club also "cleared the way" to welcome the Uruguayan striker when confirming that they will part ways with Josef Martinez right after the 2023 season.

Hong Duy (according to Goal )

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