Messi has not played for Inter Miami since leaving to captain Argentina during the World Cup, where the defending champions fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the July 19 final. Following the tournament, Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario to spend time with his family and recover before rejoining Inter Miami for the second half of the MLS season. His return could not come at a better time for Inter Miami. While Inter Miami has yet to announce an official return date, all signs point to fans seeing Messi back in pink within the first weeks of August. Whether it comes against Columbus or during the Leagues Cup, his return will mark one of the biggest moments of the MLS summer season.