Lionel Messi drops hint about his Inter Miami debut

Lionel Messi has dropped a hint about his Inter Miami debut as he starred for Argentina against Australia.

Messi scored after just 79 seconds in his national side's friendly victory over Australia on Thursday.

He played the full 90 minutes after a grueling 41-game campaign for Paris Saint-Germain this season.

Of course, the 35-year-old has since secured a switch to Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, suggesting he could make his first appearance for his new team in mid-to-late July.

Lionel Messi in action for Argentina. Image: Alamy

Asked about his Miami schedule, he replied: "I want to go on my holiday and then afterwards, we go again."

The 2022 World Cup winners face Indonesia in another friendly next Monday, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will leave the Argentina camp for a break, which could last up to three weeks.

He's expected to return home to Argentina before linking up with Inter Miami.

So, he could play his first game in America around mid-to-late July. Inter Miami face St. Louis City on July 15, with the MLS All-Star match taking place on July 19 against Premier League opposition Arsenal.

Messi was also asked about the prospect of representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

The forward, who will be 39 when the next tournament rolls around, said: "It is difficult for it to happen.

"What I said (about Qatar 2022 likely being his last World Cup) is something normal due to age and time.

"Qualifying matches are coming, then the Copa America, it is very far to think about the World Cup.

"You have to enjoy the present, think about what's to come, despite the wins - we can't stay with that."

USA, Canada and Mexico co-host the 2026 World Cup, with the States being Messi's new home country.