Messi Watch: Rosario rest, Miami waits

Lionel Messi has returned to Rosario after Argentina's World Cup final defeat by Spain. ESPN, citing the Associated Press, reported that Messi arrived on Tuesday for a few days of rest after flying from Fort Lauderdale, then traveled with his family to their home area in Funes. 1

That gives the immediate picture more clarity: Messi is recovering from the tournament rather than heading straight back into Inter Miami's schedule. ESPN says he is expected to rejoin Miami in late July or early August. 1

Inter Miami's official preview confirms that Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable for Wednesday's home match against Chicago Fire after taking part in the World Cup final. Kickoff is Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET, which is Thursday, July 23 at 07:30 in Asia/Shanghai. 2

ESPN also reports that both players will miss Saturday's match against CF Montreal. Miami has told MLS they will not play in the July 29 MLS All-Star Game either, because it falls inside the recommended 21-day post-season rest window. 3

Inter Miami resumes the MLS season with a 9-2-4 record and 31 points, second in the Eastern Conference. Messi has 12 league goals and shares the team lead for assists with Telasco Segovia on eight, according to the club's preview. The team's last league game was a 6-4 comeback against Philadelphia on May 24, with Luis Suarez scoring a hat trick. 2

For Messi, the next meaningful update is his return-to-training timeline. For Miami, it is whether the club can navigate the Chicago and Montreal fixtures before its captain is ready to play again.