Canceling China tour, Messi is in good hands with club and national team
According to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, the Argentine national team has officially canceled its tour of China in October, with two international friendly matches against Uzbekistan and China. Instead, the Albiceleste will choose to play against the Mexican national team in Chicago (USA) on October 8 or 14.
Messi and the Argentina team have officially canceled their tour of China in October.
Photo: Reuters
"This change will be advantageous for Messi and his current Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, as they will avoid the long distance travel for the national team and the impact on the dense match schedule at the club at the same time (October).
They are only focusing on the United States and can participate in the match against Mexico if the situation allows. The reason why the Argentine team canceled the tour to China is said to be related to logistical problems and it is difficult for top players to be called up when they have to travel a long distance while the new season has already started in a tense manner," said Gaston Edul.
Before that, in early September, the Argentine team will have two final matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Venezuela and Ecuador. Since Albiceleste has officially booked a ticket to the final round and secured the top position in the rankings, it is very likely that coach Scaloni will choose a squad with many young or reserve players to compete and test.
From the beginning of 2026, the Argentine team will begin the preparation process for the goal of defending the world championship title at the 2026 World Cup, with a friendly match scheduled in Singapore in March. Next is the Finalissima match (intercontinental championship) with the Spanish team also in March 2026, but the specific date and time have not been determined.
Messi is expected to join the Argentina national team during this period to start the preparation for the 2026 World Cup. If he participates in the Finalissima match, Messi will have an interesting reunion with his junior player Lamine Yamal of Barcelona Club in the Spanish national team shirt.
De Paul (middle) has become the perfect replacement for Messi at Inter Miami, when the famous player is absent due to injury.
Photo: Reuters
In the same development, Messi is currently recovering from an injury, and will soon return to play with Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup quarter-final against opponent Tigres UANL on August 19 or 20.
Messi and his teammates will have an advantage because they will continue to play at home at Chase Stadium, hoping to avenge the loss to this Mexican opponent with a score of 1-2 in the group stage of the Leagues Cup in 2024. In the knockout round of the Leagues Cup, there will only be 1 match to determine the winner, if there is a draw after 90 minutes, there will be a penalty shootout.
If they reach the semi-finals, Messi and Inter Miami could face another Mexican team, Toluca, or MLS’s Portland Timbers or LA Galaxy. This year’s League Cup final is on August 31. It would be a chance for Messi and De Paul to win a title together for Inter Miami.
Besides the Leagues Cup, the goal of defending the Supporters' Shield and aiming for the MLS Cup trophy at the end of the year is Messi's top concern in 2025, before he focuses on the Argentina team to defend the world championship at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/inter-miami-gap-doi-nao-tai-tu-ket-leagues-cup-ly-do-messi-khong-den-trung-quoc-185250808104129421.htm
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