“Messi begins title defense in the MLS while River seeks recovery with Gallardo.”

With the countdown to the World Cup rapidly approaching, where Argentina will attempt to defend its title under the lights of North America, Lionel Messi (38 years old) is about to embark on his new journey in Major League Soccer (MLS). This Saturday, February 21, the global football star will lead Inter Miami in the quest for another championship, while River Plate, under the guidance of the legendary Marcelo Gallardo, seeks to recover from a turbulent period. Let’s explore the exciting action that lies ahead in the leagues of the United States, Argentina, and Mexico.

In the MLS, Messi is back for another battle for the prestigious number 10. Just two months after winning Inter Miami’s first league title, the Argentine icon returns with a clear objective: to replicate the feat and bring another trophy home. Although he has yet to officially confirm his participation in the World Cup, few doubt that Messi will be leading the Albiceleste in the pursuit of a fourth world title. At the start of this season, the challenge will not be easy; Inter Miami will face Los Angeles FC, which will feature South Korean star Son Heung-Min, in a match that promises to be electrifying.

Recently, Messi suffered a muscle injury during the South American tour, but the expectation is that he will join his teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suárez for the opening of a competition aimed at establishing itself among the best in the world. “We are not just after another MLS title, but also the competitions where we were so close last time,” said the club’s coach, Javier Mascherano.

Meanwhile, River Plate is going through a delicate moment. With three consecutive games without a win, including a crushing 4-1 defeat to Tigre at the Monumental, the pressure on Gallardo is mounting. The most successful coach in the club’s history, with 14 titles, is struggling to bring back the attractive football that made the team famous. In the last 10 league games, River’s performance has fallen short of expectations: six losses, two draws, and only two wins.

“Marcelo always pushes us, he wants us to do what strengthened us at the beginning of the season. This is the second consecutive game we have lost, and this cannot happen at River,” said Colombian captain Juanfer Quintero, who urged his teammates to raise their level of play. With pressure increasing, River will visit Group A leaders Vélez Sarsfield this Sunday, while their eternal rivals, Boca Juniors, also seeking consistency, will host Racing on Friday.

In Mexico, a question resonates in every corner: who will be able to stop the Chivas de Guadalajara, leaders of the Clausura with a perfect record of 18 points from six matches? After an exciting 1-0 victory over América in the classic rivalry of Mexican football, the team coached by Gabriel Milito seeks to maintain its momentum, facing another giant from Mexico City, Cruz Azul, their closest rival in the standings, this Saturday. “Now we have to be careful not to get carried away by all the praise, not to lose focus, and to keep the hunger to continue improving,” said the Argentine coach after the victory over the Águilas.

With league action intensifying and challenges piling up, football fans have much to look forward to. What will happen this weekend? Will the stars shine or will surprises be lurking? One thing is certain: the passion for football continues to ignite hearts and create unforgettable stories.