- Messi set for MLS move
- Poised to take break from international duty
- May take a year off
WHAT HAPPENED? Messi showed just how good he still is over the weekend, as he scored a brilliant hat-trick in a testimonial for former international team-mate Maxi Rodriguez on his return to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys. However, he now looks poised to take a break from Argentina duty at the age of 36.
WHY IS MESSI CONSIDERING A BREAK? The Daily Mirror explains that Messi is poised to request a year off as his family prepare to adjust to life in the United States. Messi has played his entire career in Europe, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and is now preparing for a move to a new continent. Messi has already spoken to Lionel Scaloni about a possible break, and although it came as a surprise to the Argentina boss and the country's football federation, they are expected to grant the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's request.
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IN THREE PHOTOS:
![lionel messi 2023](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltb892d65f734b3bd0/01a.png?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
![Lionel Scaloni Argentina 2023](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt326c53af1cabd424/Lionel_Scaloni_Argentina_2023.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
![Lionel Messi Argentina 2022-23](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt13530d55a1bed789/GOAL_-_Blank_WEB_-_Facebook.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has already scouted out his house in Miami as he is preparing to make the move with his family, and believes that a break from international football can help him settle properly in MLS.
WHAT'S NEXT? Messi is likely to make his debut for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul next month.