With less than a month remaining before the commencement of the FIFA World Cup, elite football players are shifting their focus from domestic club campaigns to international tournament preparation. For the Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, this conditioning process began several months ago. Alongside his ongoing commitments for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami CF, the forward has instituted an intensive physical training regime to prepare for the global competition.
Sustained Dedication in the Later Career Phase
Having secured the missing piece of his extensive trophy collection by winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has achieved every major honor in world football. Although he has entered the twilight of his professional career, Messi is maintaining a highly disciplined approach to Argentina’s upcoming title defence. To ensure his physical condition remains at peak level, the forward has significantly increased his training workload behind the scenes.
His international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, confirmed that both players are following a specialised fitness strategy to ensure they reach the tournament in peak physical condition.
Implementation of Supplementary Conditioning
Detailing the nature of their physical preparation in an interview with Lu Del Polo, De Paul disclosed that they have been working under a customized conditioning plan for the past few months. This program mandates that both players complete secondary training sessions outside of their official club routines.
Rodrigo De Paul stated during the interview:
“Since two or three months ago, outside of what we do at the club, we have our own training plan and the two of us are giving our absolute all to reach the best physical condition.”
The midfielder added:
“We proposed a double shift for ourselves, and we have our own personal trainer there, and we are trying to give our maximum.”
Club Performance and Transition to Argentina Duty
Messi’s rigorous physical preparations have coincided with strong form for Inter Miami CF during the current MLS campaign, where he has recorded 12 goals and four assists. In Inter Miami’s recent fixture at their home ground, Chase Stadium, the team secured its first victory at the venue against Portland Timbers following a prior run of three draws and one defeat. Messi directly influenced the outcome by scoring a goal and providing an assist.
The table below outlines Messi’s current domestic statistics and the remaining schedule before he joins the national squad:
| Category | Details / Metrics |
| Current MLS Output | 12 goals and 4 assists |
| Most Recent Result | Victory over Portland Timbers (1 goal, 1 assist) |
| Prior Home Form | Three draws and one defeat before the Portland match |
| Remaining Club Match | One fixture against Philadelphia Union |
| Subsequent Phase | Integration into the Argentina national team training camp |
Following Inter Miami’s final upcoming match against Philadelphia Union, both Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are scheduled to depart the MLS club to officially join the Argentine national team camp.