Lionel Messi fans are buzzing: Will the GOAT suit up for Argentina’s international friendly against Puerto Rico tonight? The match, set for October 14, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Miami (Inter Miami’s home ground), comes hot on the heels of Messi’s stellar MLS performance.
After missing the recent 1-0 win over Venezuela due to club commitments, Messi has rejoined the squad and trained fully, raising hopes he’ll feature.
Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi is available, but his minutes might be managed to avoid fatigue. Let’s dive into the latest updates, team news, and what to expect from this unique clash.
The Puerto Rican vs Argentine Football Federations will host a historic international friendly on October 14, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time.
Before the match, Lionel Messi announced a special youth tournament taking place in Miami this December, called “The Messi Cup.” It is set to be held between 9th and 14th December.
Lionel Messi’s Status: Back and Ready?
Messi, 38, dazzled in Inter Miami’s 4-0 rout of Toronto FC on October 11, scoring twice in a dominant display. He skipped Argentina’s Venezuela friendly to prioritize club duties but flew back to join La Albiceleste on October 13.
Photos and videos from training show Messi looking sharp, participating in drills without issues. Scaloni told reporters: “Messi has rejoined the squad and could feature. We’ll see how he feels.”
This friendly is part of Argentina’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they’re already qualified as defending champions. Puerto Rico, ranked 160th by FIFA, offers a low-pressure test for Messi to build rhythm ahead of tougher qualifiers.
Expect Messi to start or come off the bench—his presence alone could turn the game into a spectacle for the sold-out crowd.
Match Preview: Argentina vs Puerto Rico
- Date & Time: October 14, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET (local time in Miami).
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (capacity: 18,000+; expect a pro-Argentina atmosphere).
- Broadcast: Live on beIN SPORTS (US), TyC Sports (Argentina), and streaming on FIFA+ or local platforms.
- Head-to-Head: This is the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Argentina, world No. 1, is are heavy favorite against CONCACAF minnows Puerto Rico.
Argentina arrives unbeaten in their last five internationals, blending youth and experience. Key absentees include injured players like Emiliano Martinez, but stars like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are fit.
Puerto Rico, under coach Charlie Trout, has shown grit in recent CONCACAF Nations League games but faces an uphill battle.
Predicted Lineup for Argentina (4-3-3):
Rulli; Montiel, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Garnacho.
- Prediction: Argentina 4-0 Puerto Rico. Messi’s magic could lead to a goal-fest, with the captain likely netting one.
Why This Match Matters for Messi
At 38, every game counts for Messi’s legacy. This Miami-based friendly feels like a homecoming—Messi’s Inter Miami connection draws massive crowds, and it’s a chance to thrill US-based fans before the 2026 World Cup on home soil (co-hosted by USA, Canada, Mexico). If he plays, it could be a low-stakes showcase; if rested, it signals careful management for bigger tests.