Messi Watch: Pain, then a pause

Lionel Messi has addressed Argentina supporters after the 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, but he has not announced an international retirement. "The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote, thanking fans for their messages and congratulating Spain on the title. 1

BBC Sport also reported that Messi's international future remains unclear. At 39, he is unlikely to feature at the 2030 World Cup, but the immediate question is whether he intends to continue with Argentina after this tournament. 2

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he had not yet spoken with Messi about whether he will continue in the national team. That keeps the decision open rather than settled. Messi ended the tournament with eight goals and four assists, started all eight matches, and became the first player to start three World Cup finals. 3

The final also took Messi to 125 international goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo's 146, according to ESPN. That number is part of the context around any next decision, but it is not evidence that he has made one. 1

Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami's next two MLS matches after playing all 120 minutes of the final, ESPN reported. The same report says Miami has told MLS that both players will also be unavailable for the July 29 MLS All-Star game. It remains unclear whether their full break will last the entire 21-day rest period discussed by FIFA and FIFPRO. 4

Inter Miami's official schedule lists the affected fixtures at these Asia/Shanghai times:

BBC Sport reported that FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate altercations involving both teams after the final whistle. The investigation is separate from Messi's undecided international future. 2

Next watch: a direct decision from Messi on Argentina, followed by Inter Miami's first lineup or availability update after the World Cup break.