Messi returns to Inter Miami, Ronaldo stays away from Al‑Nassr

While Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from Al‑Nassr’s preseason, Lionel Messi has already reported back to Inter Miami’s training ground, sparking debate among fans about the divergent post‑2026 World Cup paths of the two icons. Both players are now preparing for the upcoming club season, but their return timelines differ sharply.

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday, ending a short break that followed Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final. Inter Miami posted images of the Argentine captain arriving at the Fort Lauderdale complex alongside Luis Suarez, confirming the 39‑year‑old resumed preparations.

Argentina lost 1‑0 after extra time to Spain in New Jersey, missing the chance to defend its World Cup crown. Before heading back to Florida, Messi spent time with his family in Rosario.

Messi back at Inter Miami training ten days after World Cup loss

Because Major League Soccer runs through the summer, Inter Miami continued its domestic schedule without Messi, playing league matches against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal before gearing up for a fixture against Columbus Crew and the upcoming Leagues Cup. The league also exempted Messi from the All‑Star Game due to the short turnaround.

In contrast, Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains away from Al‑Nassr, with the club allowing him additional recovery time after Portugal’s Round of 16 exit to Spain on July 6. His absence extends more than three weeks beyond Messi’s return.

Retirement reflections: Slavko Vincic on World Cup final and Messi

Ronaldo followed an individualized recovery programme agreed by Al‑Nassr’s coaching staff and management, aiming to start the new campaign fully refreshed. He featured in four World Cup matches and scored twice against Uzbekistan before Portugal’s early elimination.

New manager Ange Postecoglou has been in regular contact with Ronaldo, requesting physical tests and monitoring his conditioning remotely, a policy also applied to several other international players granted extra rest. Al‑Nassr opened preseason with a 2‑1 friendly loss to Benfica B and a 2‑0 win over Merida, and now prepares in Europe for exhibition matches against Estrela Amadora and Almería, with the August 4 meeting against Almería potentially marking Ronaldo’s first appearance under Postecoglou.