'He is a football player...': Guillermo Hoyos explains Lionel Messi's quick return after World Cup heartbreak

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained why Lionel Messi returned to club action just two weeks after Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat.

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Lionel Messi in this frame. (Getty)

Lionel Messi in this frame. (Getty)

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Guillermo Hoyos reveals why Lionel Messi returned so quickly after the World Cup final.

Inter Miami prepare to face Nashville SC after Messi's comeback against Columbus Crew.

In a series of interesting events, Inter Miami's new manager Guillermo Hoyos revealed why Lionel Messi chose to make a quick comeback to the pitch despite playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain just two weeks ago, where the three-time world champions lost to the 2024 Euros champions 1-0.

Inter Miami coach reflects on Lionel Messi's return

After the disappointing outing against La Roja, Messi spent some time in his hometown Rosario in Argentina before coming off the bench in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew on Sunday, August 2 at NU Stadium in Miami.

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However, Hoyos revealed the real reason behind Messi's quick return to the action, saying that it was just the love towards the sport the 39-year-old has which made him come back and help the side in the hunt of another league title.

“Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“ said Hoyos.

It will be interesting to see if Lionel Messi can create the same level of havoc with his goal scoring just the way he did last season and guided Inter Miami to their maiden MLS title. As of now, they stand at the second place in the Eastern Conference table with 38 points in hand after playing 18 games with the help of 11 wins and five draws.

What's next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami?

After a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, the Lionel Messi-led side will gear up to lock horns against Nashville SC in their upcoming MLS clash on Sunday, August 16 (IST).


 

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