Lionel Messi returned to training with Inter Miami after the World Cup. Argentina suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss against Spain at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, in the summit clash.

Messi once again played an instrumental role in taking La Albiceleste to the final of the tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. But Messi was seen in tears after Argentina could not defend their World Cup title. 

Miami shared a photo of Messi returning to Miami’s training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and according to ESPN’s sources, the talisman trained at full tilt.

Earlier, Messi had led Argentina to glory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and also won two Copa America titles.

“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal,” he wrote in Spanish on Instagram following the final. “But I also cherish all the good… The matches we turned around, giving our all, which will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.”

Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s head coach Guillermo Hoyos had earlier said Messi and his Argentina and Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul would not be rushed back to action.

“I believe, and I’ve said this several times, that rest is vital,” he said. “It’s part of an individual’s growth and development. They need this time, and we are completely open to giving them whatever time they require. There is no set return date.

“We trust and care for them so much, and we want them back only when they are truly ready, fully recovered in every aspect. It has been an incredibly grueling stretch, 50 days of intense pressure and World Cup matches.”

Inter Miami will next face Columbus on Saturday.