Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has described Lionel Messi’s return to club football just two weeks after the 2026 FIFA World Cup as “important”, after the Argentina captain came off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew.
Messi, 39, was involved in all eight of Argentina’s matches at the World Cup as they reached the final. Their campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Spain, but Messi has already resumed domestic duties with Inter Miami.
He was introduced as a substitute against Columbus Crew and finished the match with four shots. Although he did not alter the scoreline, his appearance marked a rapid return to club action following Argentina’s run to the final.
Hoyos praised the overall effort of his players after the draw and singled out Messi for recognition. He also highlighted fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, who likewise returned to Inter Miami shortly after the World Cup.
The Inter Miami coach’s comments focused on the commitment shown by the two Argentina internationals, who rejoined the club only two weeks after completing their World Cup campaign. Their availability allowed them to contribute to the team’s latest match despite the short turnaround from international football.
Messi’s return also adds to an already significant statistical record for Inter Miami this season. He has scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 17 games in all competitions.
Those figures underline his continued influence at club level, while his appearance against Columbus Crew offered Inter Miami an immediate boost after his extended involvement with Argentina. Messi had played every match of his country’s World Cup campaign before featuring from the bench for his club.
Argentina’s final against Spain was the last of the eight World Cup matches in which Messi appeared. The 1-0 loss denied them the trophy, but the forward’s return to Inter Miami came quickly, with Hoyos making clear how highly he valued the decision to rejoin the squad.
Rodrigo De Paul was also recognised by Hoyos for returning alongside Messi. Both players had been part of Argentina’s World Cup group before making themselves available for Inter Miami again.
The 2-2 result with Columbus Crew therefore represented Messi’s first club appearance since the tournament. He recorded four shots after entering the game as a substitute, while Inter Miami and Columbus Crew shared the points.
For Hoyos, the importance of Messi’s return extended beyond the scoreline. The coach praised the team’s effort and placed particular value on the willingness of Messi and De Paul to come back so soon after Argentina’s final.
