Messi’s Comeback Sparks Global Buzz
Football fans around the world are waiting to see whether Lionel Messi will step onto the pitch when Argentina faces Puerto Rico in their upcoming international friendly. The match has already created a huge buzz, not just because of the opponent, but because it marks one of Argentina’s last warm-up games before the high-profile Finalissima 2025.
Messi, who recently returned from a minor muscle concern, joined the Argentina camp earlier this week. Reports from multiple sports outlets suggest that the Inter Miami star looked fit during light training sessions in Fort Lauderdale. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has not officially confirmed whether Messi will start, but insiders say he is likely to play at least 45 minutes.
Speaking to local media, an Argentina Football Association official said, “Messi feels good and is eager to play in front of home fans again. His condition will be assessed after the final training session.” This means fans may finally get to see their captain back in action after missing the previous friendly against Venezuela.
Match Shifted to Florida for Bigger Crowd
Originally scheduled to take place in Chicago, the Argentina vs Puerto Rico friendly was later moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The change came after logistical issues and better ticket demand in Florida, where Messi plays for Inter Miami. The new venue choice has added to the excitement since it gives local fans a rare chance to watch their hero in Argentina colors close to his club home.
Fans have already packed the stadium for open training sessions, waving Argentina flags and chanting Messi’s name. Several videos on social media show crowds forming outside the team hotel, waiting hours just to catch a glimpse of him.
According to organizers, the match is expected to be a sell-out event. The buzz is similar to Argentina’s previous friendlies in the United States, which attracted thousands of South American fans from neighboring states.
Argentina vs Spain in Finalissima 2025
After the Puerto Rico friendly, Argentina’s next major challenge will be the Finalissima 2025. This event, organized jointly by UEFA and CONMEBOL, pits the European champions against the South American champions.
While the final lineup has not yet been officially confirmed, strong reports from Spanish and Argentine media indicate that Spain will face Argentina in London next June. Spain recently won the Euro 2024 title, while Argentina lifted the Copa America 2024 trophy, making this clash a true battle of continents.
If confirmed, it would be the second Finalissima under the revived format. The previous edition in 2022 saw Argentina defeat Italy 3-0 at Wembley, with Messi starring in a masterful performance that earned him the Man of the Match award. Fans are already calling the 2025 fixture a “dream final,” predicting another showdown between Messi and some of Spain’s new generation stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
Will Argentina Visit India Next?
A question that has captured Indian fans’ imagination is whether the Argentina team, led by Messi, will visit India anytime soon. Over the past few weeks, social media in India has been flooded with rumors claiming that the team could play an exhibition match in Kolkata or Mumbai.
However, as of mid-October 2025, there has been no official confirmation from the Argentina Football Association or the All India Football Federation. What is known is that multiple promoters from Asia have shown interest in hosting the World Cup-winning squad for friendly matches next year.
Football marketing analysts say India remains a “high-interest emerging market” for global teams due to its growing football fan base and commercial potential. The success of the 2011 Messi-led Argentina match in Kolkata, which drew over 80,000 fans, still serves as a benchmark for future tours.
Sources close to the Argentina camp say the idea of visiting India is being “seriously discussed” for 2026, depending on scheduling and sponsorship deals. If it happens, it could be one of the biggest football events in Indian sports history.
What This Means for Fans
For now, all eyes are on the Puerto Rico friendly, where Argentina will look to maintain momentum and keep its core players match-ready before major tournaments in 2026. Whether or not Messi plays the full game, his presence alone ensures the stadium will roar.
The Finalissima 2025 promises to be another historic chapter, potentially bringing together two world-class footballing philosophies. And if Argentina’s rumored India tour materializes, fans from the subcontinent might finally see their football idol up close once again.
In the words of one fan outside the training ground, “Even a five-minute glimpse of Messi feels like a lifetime memory.” That sentiment perfectly sums up what Messi means to millions around the world.