<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, consistently leading the standings. Coming off a decisive win against the New England Revolution, the Herons entered their clash with Atlanta United under intense pressure to sustain their momentum. Not only they delivered with authority, but also <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a> etched his name in MLS history by netting two goals, underscoring his impact in the team.



According to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLS</a> Communications, Lionel Messi became the first player in the league to produce nine multi-goals games in a single regular season, following his brace against Atlanta United. With his impact, the Herons have increased their competitiveness entering the playoffs two consecutive seasons, chasing their first-ever MLS Cup.



Not only has Lionel Messi made a significant impact on the scoring front, but he has also emerged as the team’s premier playmaker. In the current MLS season, he boasts 15 assists, surpassing both Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, who each have 10. Remarkably, Messi is just one assist shy of Anders Dreyer, the current league leader, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown as the playoffs approach.



Despite facing multiple challenges this season, Maximiliano Falcon and Gonzalo Lujan have emerged as the team’s most reliable center-back duo. Noah Allen and Ian Fray have also risen to the occasion, setting the stage for an impressive playoff performance. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba playing their final games, Javier Mascherano intends to maximize their minutes alongside Lionel Messi in pursuit of the MLS Cup, hoping to conclude the season on a high note.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251012_WST_596559_Inter-Miami-1200x675_c9c96dae.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Lionel Messi celebrating with his Inter Miami teammates" class="wp-image-596561" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>2025 MLS Golden Boot Race: Messi takes the lead over Bouanga and Surridge</h2>



Since arriving in MLS in 2023, Lionel Messi has confirmed his status as a top-tier player in the league. With an impressive 20 goals in his first full season with the Herons, he demonstrated that age has not diminished his scoring prowess. At 38, the Argentine legend delivered his finest season yet, netting 26 goals and outpacing Denis Bouanga and Sam Surridge to claim the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-luis-suarez-and-neymar-back-together-inter-miamis-bold-barcelona-inspired-project-to-continue-even-after-sergio-busquets-and-jordi-albas-decisions/"></div>


<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>#</td><td>Players name</td><td>Number of goals</td></tr><tr><td>1.</td><td>Lionel Messi</td><td>26 goals</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Denis Bouanga</td><td>24 goals</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Sam Surridge</td><td>23 goals</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



As the regular season nears its end, Messi, Bouanga, and Surridge aim to bolster their stats before the playoffs. A unified team effort could elevate their chances of enhancing their records further. Notably, this moment presents the Argentine star with his best opportunity to claim his inaugural MLS Golden Boot, despite being in the twilight of his career.

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Lionel Messi makes MLS history with record-breaking brace for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

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Lionel Messi makes MLS history with record-breaking brace for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> and Colombia faced off in the United States as both teams continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. With James Rodriguez leading the charge, the Cafeteros secured a dominant 4-0 victory on American soil.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/colombia/">Colombia</a> struck first in the 16th minute, as Jhon Lucumí found the back of the net following an accurate cross from Rodriguez on the right flank. Mexico pushed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear chances, keeping goalkeeper David Ospina largely untested between the posts.



In the second half, Colombia turned up the intensity and asserted their dominance. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/james-rodriguez/">Rodriguez</a> delivered a precise through ball to Luis Díaz to make it 2-0 in the 56th minute. Jefferson Lerma followed with an outstanding half-volley in the 64th, and Johan Carbonero capped the scoring with a finish that slipped through Luis Malagón’s legs in the 87th. Colombia put on a commanding performance at AT&amp;T Stadium, finishing 4-0.



Looking ahead, Colombia will aim to maintain its strong form when they face another World Cup host, Canada, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mexico will try to bounce back from the heavy defeat as they prepare to take on South American rival Ecuador on the same day.

Mexico and Colombia clash on U.S. soil in a friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Welcome to our live coverage of the international friendly between Mexico and Colombia — the first matchup of the October international break. Stay tuned for key updates, highlights, and live, minute-by-minute action!

Kickoff time and how to watch

Mexico and Colombia will face off at 9:15 PM (ET).
You can <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-on-us-tv/how-to-watch-mexico-vs-colombia-match-in-the-usa-live-stream-and-tv-for-international-friendly/">watch the World Cup qualifiers live</a> on Fubo, Univision, TUDN, FOX Deportes, DirecTV Stream and ViX

Where are Mexico and Colombia playing?

The national teams have chosen to play the match on U.S. soil, specifically at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The venue, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, has a seating capacity of 80,000.
Since its inauguration in 2009, AT&amp;T Stadium has hosted numerous soccer events, including international friendlies and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. In 2024, the venue reached a new milestone by hosting three Copa América games — the scoreless draw between Peru and Chile, the USMNT’s 2–0 win over Bolivia, and the quarterfinal clash between Canada and Venezuela.

David Ospina makes his return to Colombia

For the game against Mexico, Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo has confirmed only three starters: James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and the returning veteran goalkeeper David Ospina.
Ospina suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Al Nassr in January 2023 and has since struggled to regain full fitness. Now back in Colombia with Atlético Nacional, the 37-year-old is set to make his first national team appearance since, interestingly, facing Mexico on December 16, 2023.

Colombia lineup confirmed!

Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has named the following starting lineup to face Mexico: David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz, Willer Ditta, Jhon Lucumí, Álvaro Angulo; Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castaño, James Rodríguez; Kevin Serna, Luis Suárez, and Luis Díaz.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨 𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 Así formará nuestra Selección Colombia para enfrentar a 🇲🇽 en el primer amistoso de esta Fecha FIFA.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaSeleNosUne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaSeleNosUne</a>🇨🇴 <a href="https://t.co/lQcXzjw2Fo">pic.twitter.com/lQcXzjw2Fo</a>— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCFSeleccionCol/status/1977164925589238251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mexico lineup confirmed!

Head coach Javier Aguirre has confirmed the lineup to face Colombia at AT&amp;T Stadium: Andrés Malagón; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Marcel Ruiz, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda; Diego Lainez, Santiago Giménez, and Alexis Vega.
<figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-596482" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251011_WST_595958_Screenshot-2025-10-11-211923_ce789299.webp&width=874&height=1079" alt="" width="874" height="1079"></figure>

Who is the referee for Mexico vs. Colombia?

Ismail Elfath has been appointed as the referee for Saturday's friendly. The U.S. official has previously overseen five Mexico matches (three draws, one win, and one loss) and three Colombia games (one win and two draws).
Match officiating team:
<ul>
<li>Referee: Ismail Elfath</li>
<li>1st Assistant: Corey Parker</li>
<li>2nd Assistant: Kyle Atkins</li>
<li>Fourth Official: Rubiel Vazquez</li>
</ul>

Head-to-head between Mexico and Colombia

Mexico and Colombia are nearly even in their head-to-head record. In the 28 games between the two national teams, Mexico has won 10, Colombia 9, and 9 ended in a draw.
Their most recent meeting took place on December 16, 2023, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where Colombia secured a 3-2 victory over El Tri.

High attendance at AT&T Stadium

Mexico and Colombia have drawn massive interest for their friendly in Arlington, Texas. 61,847 tickets have already been sold, with a total attendance of around 78,000 fans expected for Saturday night.

The match has begun!

Referee Ismail Elfath blows the whistle, and the game between Mexico and Colombia is underway.

5' – Colombia controlling the possession (0-0)

With their high press in full effect, Colombia is dominating possession, while Mexico sits deep, waiting in its own half.

10' – James Rodriguez shoots wide! (0-0)

James Rodriguez received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a wonderful striker that went barely wide.

12' – Santiago Giménez comes close for Mexico (0-0)

After a brilliant individual effort, Santiago Giménez beat Willer Ditta in a one-on-one duel but his shot went just wide of Ospina’s goal.

16' – GOAAAL FOR COLOMBIA (0-1)

After a precise cross from James Rodríguez on the right flank, Jhon Lucumí met the ball in the box to score the opening goal for Colombia.
Mexico players complained to the referee over a potential foul, but VAR granted the goal.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡GOL DE COLOMBIA!⚽🇨🇴 Los Cafeteros se adelantan en una jugada a balón parado 😱 📲📺¡Disfruta de todos los partidos de la Selección Mexicana rumbo al Mundial en VIX! 🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CompavsParce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CompavsParce</a> <a href="https://t.co/rfggK1QTaT">pic.twitter.com/rfggK1QTaT</a>— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TUDNUSA/status/1977186206589809146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

22' – Mexico looking for the equalizer (0-1)

After Colombia's goal, El Tri is pushing forward to look for the equalizer.

27' – Willer Ditta stops Mexico with a crucial block (0-1)

Willer Ditta headed Alexis Vega’s shot off the line and fell to the ground, prompting the referee to allow medical staff onto the pitch.

31' – Marcel Ruiz booked (0-1)

Referee Ismail Elfath showed a yellow card to Marcel Ruiz after he protested a foul on James Rodríguez.

37' – Mexico controls possession but can’t break through (0-1)

Even with the ball at their feet, Mexico is struggling to test goalkeeper David Ospina.

42' – Mexico slows down the pace (0-1)

After pressing near Ospina’s goal, Mexico has slowed the pace, allowing Colombia to regain possession.

45' – Four added minutes (0-1)

With the first 45 minutes complete, four minutes of added time have been announced.

49' – Halftime!

Colombia leads at the break thanks to Jhon Lucumi’s goal, holding a 1-0 advantage over Mexico at the AT&amp;T Stadium.

Second half underway!

Mexico and Colombia are back on the field as the second half gets underway at the AT&amp;T Stadium.

47' – Chance for Mexico! (0-1)

After a brilliant cross from Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda tried a trivela shot, but David Ospina was equal to it and made the save.

48' – First yellow card for Colombia (0-1)

After a foul over Marcelo Ruiz, the referee showed the yellow card to Colombian striker Luis Suarez.

53' – Mexico looking for the equalizer (0-1)

Building up from the back, Mexico is struggling to create clear chances to score the equalizing goal.

56' – GOOOOAAAAL FOR COLOMBIA (0-2)

Jhon Lucumi recovers the ball, and after a precise through pass from James Rodriguez, Luis Díaz chips it over Luis Malagón to double the lead.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡Gol de Colombia! 🇲🇽⚽🔥 Lucho Díaz baila a la Selección Mexicana y marca el segundo ‼️👀 📲📺¡Disfruta de todos los partidos de la Selección Mexicana rumbo al Mundial en VIX! 🟠<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CompaVsParce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CompaVsParce</a> <a href="https://t.co/5AKKxxfQoQ">pic.twitter.com/5AKKxxfQoQ</a>— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TUDNUSA/status/1977201251478630441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

57' – Aguirre makes triple substitution in Mexico (0-2)

Head coach Javier Aguirre brings on fresh legs: Marcel Ruiz, Orbelin Pineda, and Diego Lainez are replaced by Luis Romo, Erick Sánchez, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.

61' – Suarez had the third for Colombia (0-2)

With the ball loose in the box, Luis Suárez had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but missed the target.

63' – Second yellow card for Mexico (0-2)

Jorge Sanchez gets the yellow card after fouling Luis Diaz.

64' – TREMENDOUS GOAL FOR COLOMBIA!! (0-3)

Following a cross from James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma collected the rebound in the box and unleashed a tremendous half-volley, finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jefferson Lerma with an absolute thunderbolt for Colombia <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/aIPpR4KIlQ">pic.twitter.com/aIPpR4KIlQ</a>— Henry Swain (@henryswainjourn) <a href="https://twitter.com/henryswainjourn/status/1977202769233666236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

65' – Double substitution for Colombia (0-3)

After Lerma’s goal, coach Néstor Lorenzo made a double change: Luis Díaz and Kevin Serna off, Johan Carbonero and Jaminton Campaz on.

67' – Double substitution for Mexico (0-3)

Aguirre makes other two modifications, bringing in Julian Quinones and German Berterame for Alexis Vega and Santiago Gimenez.

69' – Double substitution for Colombia (0-3)

Coach Néstor Lorenzo made two more changes: Luis Suárez and James Rodríguez off, Rafael Santos Borré and Juan Fernando Quintero on.

74' – Gallardo's attempt goes wide (0-3)

Trying to reduce the deficit, Jesús Gallardo fires a shot, but it sails over the stands.

77' – Another substitution in Mexico (0-3)

Coach Javier Aguirre makes a change, bringing Carlos Rodríguez on for Erik Lira.

82' – Jesus Gallardo sees the yellow card (0-3)

Jesús Gallardo is booked after protesting a penalty call involving Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.

85' – Lozano almost scores (0-3)

After a great individual play, Lozano played a one-two with Quinonez, but his shot went powerless to Ospina's hands.

86' – More substitutions in Colombia (0-3)

Richard Rios and Camilo Asprilla come on to replace Jefferson Lerma and Kevin Castano.

87' – GOAAAAAAAL FOR COLOMBIA!!! (0-4)

Johan Carbonero scores after a brilliant long ball from Juan Fernando Quintero, finishing through Luis Malagón’s legs to extend Colombia’s lead.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡INSÓLITO! ‼️😨😨 Malagón sale mal y regala el cuarto gol de Colombia ❌😩😩 📲📺¡Disfruta de todos los partidos de la Selección Mexicana rumbo al Mundial en VIX! 🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CompaVsParce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CompaVsParce</a> <a href="https://t.co/TcgkpAfnEH">pic.twitter.com/TcgkpAfnEH</a>— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TUDNUSA/status/1977209234669400341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

90' – Berterame misses another clear chance (0-4)

After a great control on the box, German Berterame finish strikes the post.

Full-time!

After Berterame's miss, referee Ismail Elfath picks up the ball to end the game with Colombia winning 4-0 against Mexico.

Thank you for joining us!

That concludes the live blog! With goals from Jhon Lucumi, Luis Diaz, Jefferson Lerma, and Johan Carbonero, Colombia secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Mexico at the AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

James Rodriguez shines in Colombia’s crushing 4-0 win over Mexico in the USA

James Rodriguez shines in Colombia’s crushing 4-0 win over Mexico in the USA - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> and Colombia will face each other at AT&amp;T Stadium on Saturday as part of their U.S. tour in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. With expectations high for a competitive clash, there are questions over whether star striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/">Raúl Jiménez</a> will feature for El Tri.



Mexico didn’t need to go through World Cup qualifying as one of the tournament’s host nations, meaning their most recent competitive matches came in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer. Still, El Tri remain focused on testing themselves in “demanding matches, in settings where players won’t feel comfortable, to put them under pressure,” as head coach Javier Aguirre explained in his pregame press conference.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/colombia/">Colombia</a>, meanwhile, are entering their first set of friendlies since finishing fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying and securing their World Cup spot. As part of their North American tour, Los Cafeteros will first face Mexico before taking on Canada on Tuesday — two of the three host nations of the 2026 tournament.



<h2>Is Raul Jimenez playing against Colombia?</h2>



Raúl Jiménez has been in strong form for Mexico recently, playing a key role in El Tri’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph over the USMNT. The Fulham striker is also just 10 goals shy of surpassing Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer. However, Jiménez will have to wait to add to his tally, as he won’t be available for the match against Colombia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251011_WST_596428_raul-jimenez-fulham-1200x675_d6f888b4.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Raul Jimenez of Fulham appears injured on the floor." class="wp-image-596459" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Raul Jimenez of Fulham appears injured on the floor.</figcaption></figure>



Jiménez won’t be playing against Colombia as he was not included in Javier Aguirre’s October call-up after suffering a rib injury during Fulham’s match against Aston Villa. Despite scoring the opening goal in the third minute, he was forced off just eight minutes later.



While the issue is not serious and he’s expected to return for Fulham after the international break, Aguirre chose to rest him for these friendlies, giving other forwards such as Santiago Giménez and Julián Quiñones the chance to shine.



<h2>Projected lineups for Mexico and Colombia</h2>



Mexico’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Luis Malagón; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Carlos Rodríguez,Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz; Hirving Lozano, Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega. Head coach: Javier Aguirre.



Colombia’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Kevin Mier; Álvaro Angulo, Davinson Sánchez, Yerry Mina, Daniel Muñoz; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos; Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez, James Rodríguez. Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo.

Is Raul Jimenez playing? Projected lineups for Mexico vs Colombia in friendly game in the USA

Is Raul Jimenez playing? Projected lineups for Mexico vs Colombia in friendly game in the USA - World Soccer Talk

With their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 already secured, Argentina are now laying out their roadmap for the months leading up to the tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer. According to reports, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> and his teammates are expected to play two friendlies on U.S. soil just days before their World Cup debut.



TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul reports that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> are close to finalizing two tune-up matches scheduled for June 2026. The first would take place in Las Vegas against Mexico, followed by a second match in Miami against Honduras.



If confirmed, these would serve as valuable tests for Lionel Scaloni’s team. The opener against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> would offer high-level competition, amplified by the fact that El Tri are one of the tournament hosts. The longstanding rivalry between the two nations also adds an extra layer of intensity to the encounter.



The second friendly, against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/honduras/">Honduras</a>, presents a less demanding challenge compared to Mexico. That would give the head coach an opportunity to experiment with lineups without putting too much physical strain on the players so close to the start of the tournament. The match would also be held in Miami, home to a large Argentine community—and Lionel Messi himself.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251011_WST_596451_raul-jimenez-mexico-1-1200x675_b57c10cf.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico looks on during the second half of the International Friendly match against South Korea at GEODIS Park on September 09, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee." class="wp-image-590038" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico.</figcaption></figure>



Honduras’ participation remains a question mark. Unlike Mexico, who have qualified automatically as co-hosts, Honduras are still fighting for a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup">World Cup</a> berth. They currently sit second in Group C of the qualifiers, level on five points with leaders Haiti but trailing on goal difference. With three matches remaining, Honduras still have a realistic chance of qualifying directly.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-loses-key-teammate-for-argentinas-fifa-world-cup-2026-opener/"></div>


<h2>What’s next for Argentina in 2025</h2>



Argentina have just three matches remaining this year, all of them friendlies. After a 1-0 win over Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami—thanks to a goal from Giovani Lo Celso—they now have a few days off before facing Puerto Rico, also in Miami, though this time at Chase Stadium.



Following that match, the reigning World Cup champions will only have the November international break left in 2025. During that window, they are scheduled to travel to Africa to face Angola. Initially, a second friendly was planned to take place in India, but according to Gaston Edul, that option may fall through and the team could end up playing elsewhere.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/"></div>


<h2>Argentina could lift another trophy before the 2026 World Cup</h2>



Even though Argentina secured World Cup qualification long ago, there’s still a chance for them to compete for another piece of silverware before heading to the 2026 tournament in North America.



Though not yet officially confirmed, reports suggest that Argentina and Spain are expected to face off in the Finalissima in March 2026. The intercontinental showdown pits the champions of Europe and South America against each other and returned in 2022 with Argentina beating Italy at Wembley.



However, one key condition must be met: Spain must secure direct qualification to the World Cup no later than November 2025. If they finish second in their group, they’ll be tied up with playoff matches in March and therefore unavailable for the Finalissima against Argentina.

Report: Messi’s Argentina set for two friendlies in the US just days before World Cup 2026 debut

Report: Messi's Argentina set for two friendlies in the US just days before World Cup 2026 debut - World Soccer Talk

Inter Miami have just two games left in the Major League Soccer regular season. The first comes this Saturday against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium, and unexpectedly, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> will feature in the match.



The forward had joined Argentina’s training camp earlier this week ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. However, on Friday night, it was announced that Leo would not take part in the first match and would instead be a spectator in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium.



Indeed, Messi watched from the sidelines as his teammates defeated Venezuela 1-0 thanks to a goal from Giovani Lo Celso, without even being on the bench. “It was my decision for Leo not to play,” explained head coach Lionel Scaloni after the match. “We wanted to test Lautaro (Martinez) and Julian (Alvarez)… We hope Leo can be available for the next game.”



With that in mind, speculation quickly grew over Messi’s potential involvement in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a>’s match on Saturday. Being in the same city and having not played a single minute for Argentina, the forward is available and will be on the starting lineup against Atlanta United. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251011_WST_596446_Javier-Mascherano-1-1200x675_2402514c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Javier Mascherano" class="wp-image-591351" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Inter Miami confirmed lineup</h2>



While the Herons are no longer in contention for the Supporters’ Shield, their two remaining regular-season games still carry significance. If they win both—against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/atlanta-united/">Atlanta United</a> and Nashville SC—they will secure second place in the Eastern Conference, which would give them a more favorable playoff path.


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With that goal in mind, head coach Javier Mascherano will field his best available XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Aviles, Jordi Alba; Baltasar Rodriguez, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Tadeo Allende; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.



<h2>Atlanta United confirmed lineup</h2>



Unlike Inter Miami, Atlanta United have nothing left to play for this <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/">MLS</a> season. They sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings with just 27 points, far from the play-in spots.


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Head coach Ronny Deila’s confirmed lineup: Jayden Hibbert; Leo Afonso, Stian Gregersen, Juan Berrocal, Pedro Amador, Dominik Chong Qui; Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez, Steven Alzate; Emmanuel Latte Lath, Jamal Thiare.

Lionel Messi starts: Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United in MLS

Lionel Messi starts: Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United in MLS - World Soccer Talk

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