Buenos Aires, June 11, 2025: Lionel Messi’s return to Argentina for international duty culminated in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia at the iconic Mâs Monumental stadium, thanks to a late equalizer from former Major League Soccer star Thiago Almada. With his national team duties complete, Messi now turns his attention to captaining Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in their opening match on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
A Gritty Draw in Buenos Aires
Argentina’s clash with Colombia was a tense affair, marked by physical defending and a late twist. Colombia took the lead in the 24th minute through Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, whose clinical strike threatened to spoil Messi’s homecoming. The goal came close to securing Colombia’s second victory over Argentina since their 1-0 defeat in the 2024 Copa América final, where Messi and his team triumphed on July 15, 2024.
Messi, starting his first match in Argentina this year, faced relentless challenges from Colombia’s defenders, hitting the deck multiple times. Despite the physical toll, he appeared to emerge uninjured before being substituted in the 78th minute. Just three minutes later, Thiago Almada, who played for Atlanta United from 2022 to 2024, rescued a point for Argentina. Dribbling past two defenders, Almada unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the net in the 81st minute, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
The draw was all the more remarkable as Argentina played the final 11 minutes with 10 men. Midfielder Enzo Fernández received a straight red card in the 70th minute for a reckless challenge, catching Colombia’s Kevin Castaño on the forehead while attempting to connect with an airborne ball. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Almada’s heroics ensured Argentina avoided defeat.
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Post-match, Messi reflected on the team’s resilience: “It was a tough game, very physical. We fought hard, and Thiago’s goal showed our spirit. We’re disappointed not to win, but this point keeps us moving forward.” The draw keeps Argentina in a strong position in World Cup qualifying, having already secured their spot for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina’s Recent Struggles and Resilience
Argentina’s performance against Colombia comes amid a challenging period. Since their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, the team has lost only five of their last 74 matches, showcasing their dominance. However, three of those losses have occurred in the last 36 games, including a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup opener, a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in November 2023, a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in a Copa América final rematch on September 10, 2024 (where Messi was sidelined by an ankle injury), a 2-0 loss to Brazil in the 2019 Copa América semifinals, and a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in November 2023.
Despite these setbacks, Argentina’s recent form includes a 1-0 victory over Chile on June 5, 2025, in World Cup qualifying, where Messi played but did not score. His return to the national team after missing two matches in March 2025 due to injury allowed him to reconnect with teammates, though his goalless streak in these two qualifiers highlights the team’s reliance on players like Almada for crucial moments.
Messi’s Focus Shifts to Inter Miami and the Club World Cup
With his international commitments fulfilled, Messi is expected to return to South Florida on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to prepare for Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The tournament, a showcase of global club football, kicks off for Inter Miami with a group-stage match against Al Ahly on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Messi, who has been pivotal in elevating Inter Miami’s profile since joining the MLS side, will likely train with the team on Thursday and Friday to fine-tune preparations.
Inter Miami’s participation in the Club World Cup marks a significant milestone for the club, and Messi’s leadership will be crucial as they face a formidable opponent in Al Ahly, a powerhouse in African football. The team’s group-stage campaign includes three matches, with Messi expected to spearhead their attack. His experience as a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion will be vital in navigating the high-stakes tournament.
Uncertainty Surrounding Messi’s 2026 World Cup Plans
While Argentina has secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Messi, now 38, has yet to confirm his participation. His recent performances, including the physical demands of the Colombia match, have fueled speculation about whether he will extend his international career to the tournament. Fans and analysts alike are eager for clarity, but Messi remains focused on the present, balancing club and country commitments.
Looking Ahead
The draw against Colombia, while not a victory, demonstrated Argentina’s resilience under pressure, with Almada’s contribution underscoring the squad’s depth. For Messi, the match was a reminder of the challenges of international football, but his unscathed exit allows him to shift gears to club duties. As Inter Miami prepares to face Al Ahly, all eyes will be on Messi to deliver on the global stage once again, with the Club World Cup offering a chance to add another chapter to his storied career.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 4:01 pm by Lokram Chittiboina | Published by: Lokram Chittiboina on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 4:01 pm | News Categories: News
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