Argentina media have given their verdict on Lionel Messi as the Inter Miami captain returned to the international stage last night against Ecuador.
The 36-year-old attacker made his first appearance for Argentina in over six months in yesterday’s friendly in Chicago, with Messi coming on from the bench to make a 30-minute came for the reigning world champions.
With Argentina winning on the night 1-0 thanks to a goal from Inter Miami-linked Angel Di Maria, it was a good run out for Messi heading into this summer’s Copa America, where the veteran attacker will again be key for the South American giants.
And the local media in Argentina have now given their verdict on Messi’s performance.
Messi praise despite ‘strange’ sight of being on Argentina bench
The overall mood from the Argentine media on Messi’s cameo against Ecuador is a positive one, with TyC Sports noting that the Inter Miami star had ‘strong moments’ when creating chances for his teammates.
Clarin had a similar angel, though the publication noted that it was ‘strange’ to see Messi start a game for Argentina on the bench, with manager Lionel Scaloni mentioning beforehand that the forward wasn’t going to play the entire 90 minutes.
Indeed, resting Messi was arguably the right decision given how grueling the upcoming Copa America could be for the 36-year-old attacker, who has struggled with injuries this season Inter Miami.
Yet even playing a limited amount of minutes could be enough to turn the tide of any match for Argentina this summer, with Mundo Deportivo noting that Messi had ‘some good highlights’ from the bench against Ecuador.
Inter Miami will be pleased with Messi’s game time last night
Yesterday’s fixture against Ecuador is the first of many Messi will feature in over the summer, and Inter Miami will be pleased with how much time the Argentine actually spent on the pitch in Chicago.
The Herons will be watching every game with bated breath over the next few weeks with Messi expected to be Argentina’s talisman in their bid to reclaim the Copa America title.
And the less time Messi spends on the pitch, the better for Inter Miami, who will want their star man to return to Florida later this summer filly fit and with zero fitness issues.