Communication Between Argentina And Inter Miami Liquid, Lionel Messi Can Be Free To Play Where

Lionel Messi can decide himself to play in Argentina or Inter Miami (Instagram/@aphaselecionen).

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United FC on Sunday, October 12, 2025, morning WIB, at Chase Stadium.

He left his international duties with the Argentine National Team (Timnas) to help win three crucial points for Herons.

Despite being called up by Argentina's Manager, Lionel Scaloni, for two friendly matches at the FIFA Matchday in October 2025 against Venezuela (11 October 2025 WIB) and Puerto Rico (15 October 2025 WIB), Messi actually appeared for Inter Miami in the final match of the Major League Soccer regular season at Chase Stadium.

Next, Inter Miami will move to its new headquarters, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

"Yesterday before the game all went quite smoothly. I spoke to Scaloni and he said he would let him go. He won't play Messi."

"I talked to Leo about letting him play (with Inter Miami), nothing much to talk about."

"He (Scaloni) had no intention of playing it (Messi) yesterday. He wanted to see something else. As the coach said, that was his decision."

"Well, we obviously saw an opportunity. Because he didn't play against Venezuela (the day before Inter Miami's game), we could use it."

"Leo is also clearly willing to do it even though he's been training all week with the national team. We know he's a very special player."

"He's unique. For us, obviously, even though he doesn't train with us, we see what he's doing. So, he helped us win. He scored goals, which is also important to him," said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, about Messi's availability.

Messi scored the first goal against Atlanta United, curling a curling shot into the top left corner of the net for the 25th goal of the season.

The captain then provided feedback to his old teammate, Jordi Alba, for the second goal of the match.

The former Barcelona fired a shot past the head of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibert in his last home game at the regular MLS.

Alba announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season and received a special tribute from Inter Miami after the final whistle sounded at home to the Atlanta United.

"Well, I think I had a very good career, being in a very comfortable team in everything."

"This video reflects the fact that this club has been a surprise, it's fun because I've seen some managers from several clubs, some coaches I've had my entire career."

"The reality is, it's special and I'm proud of everything I've accomplished. Now, I'm going to have my last game against Nashville, then the playoffs. Hopefully I can win it, then I can rest," Alba said after watching the video of respect for him.

Meanwhile, Luis Suarez scored Inter Miami's third goal with a beautiful right-footed volley in the 61st minute. Messi then added his last-minute goal to ensure victory.

Messi's second goal that night saw him collect 26 goals this season, two goals ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the race for MLS Golden Boots.

"Right now, it won't change that much. However, as you can see, if he had it, he would try to get it."

"So, welcome, always with an incredible night for the team, for him, for everyone," Mascherano said of Messi's potential to win the Golden Boot.

Messi is likely to rejoin the Argentine national team for a friendly match on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, morning WIB, against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium. Scaloni still hopes the superstar can participate.

"Hopefully Messi can attend on Tuesday (local time). We'll see how it develops in the next few days," said Scaloni.

Inter Miami is now in third place in the MLS Eastern Region 2025 standings, having the same points as Cincinnati in second place.

Messi and colleagues will try to compete for second place in the standings with Cincinnati in the last game. The Herons will travel to Nashville for the final match of the regular MLS season.

Meanwhile, the leader, Philadelphia Union, has confirmed his first position in the Eastern Region and won Supporters' Shield for the most points in the regular season.