Lionel Messi shares message ahead of last match of ‘unforgettable year’ as Argentina prepare to face Peru
Lionel Messi has shared a message for his fans on social media ahead of his last match of 2024. The post comes as Argentina gear up to face Peru in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday (November 19) at La Bombonera.
The Argentine icon has had a successful year, winning two trophies for club and country. Messi won his second consecutive Copa America title with Argentina after a 1-0 win in extra time over Colombia in the final on July 14. However, La Pulga suffered an ankle injury during the game and remained out of action for two months before returning in September.
Lionel Messi also led Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters' Shield in October. However, the Herons bowed out of the MLS Cup playoffs after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in a best-of-three series in November. Messi contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 outings for the Herons across competitions in the 2023-24 MLS season.
Ahead of Argentina's clash against Peru in the World Cup qualifiers, Lionel Messi took to Instagram to share a message for his followers. He wrote (translation from Spanish via Google):
"Looking forward to being back together with everyone tomorrow for the last game of another unforgettable year."
On the individual level, Lionel Messi also received the MARCA America Award, declaring him the greatest of all time in football in October this year. His current contract with Inter Miami ends in December 2025. He's expected to lead the Herons once again next year.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami set to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup
Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami are set to take part in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Herons won the 2024 Supporters' Shield in October this year for recording the most number of points in the MLS regular season. This led them to earn the host spot for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States.
Speaking about FIFA's decision to invite Inter Miami to the competition, president Gianni Infantino said (via ESPN):
"Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters' Shield success. You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play. Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the host club representing the United States."
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be held between June 15 and July 13, 2025, at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. The draw will be held in Miami on December 5, 2024.
Lionel Messi has previously won three FIFA Club World Cup titles with his former club Barcelona. He has contributed five goals and one assist in five appearances in the competition.