Lionel Messi returned to the field for La Albiceleste in emphatic fashion, nearly scoring an Olimpico and a free kick in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Paraguay.
The 36-year-old was substituted on in the 53rd minute to a raucous crowd. The Argentine then got to work, slicing through Paraguay’s defense with ease. In the 76th minute, Messi nearly doubled Argentina’s lead with a free-kick that hit the post.
Speaking to TYC Sports after the match, Messi had this to say about his return: “I’m happy to play against and add [some minutes.] It is always difficult to enter and even more so in such a tight game. The important thing is that we won and at times we played very well, especially in the first half.”
Messi on his way back from injury
Messi has been dealing with a lingering leg injury since late September when he was substituted off in the 27th minute during Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC.
Since then, the 36-year-old has been on the road to recovery, sitting out Miami’s last four games before making his return on October 7th in a loss against FC Cincinnati.
The speculation surrounding the injury did no favors either. Head coach Tata Martino deflected media questions about it, only giving cryptic answers. Additionally, Inter Miami never gave a detailed report on what Messi’s injury was.
Nonetheless, the World Cup winner recovered well and now seeks to work his way back to full fitness, telling TYC Sports: “I come from playing very little for my club and we had talked to see how the week was going. The idea is to add more training sessions in these days until the next game.”
Inter Miami’s season has ended early, as the Herons failed to make the playoffs. The club will see out their season schedule on October 21st as they take on Charlotte FC.