After Argentina's victory over Peru at La Bombonera, most players returned to their clubs to close the year on a high note. However, this won’t be the case for Lionel Messi, who is heading into an extended vacation period.

With Inter Miami out of the MLS Playoffs, the Argentine star’s calendar is now on pause. The league’s postseason continues without him, and the new MLS regular season won't kick off until February, leaving Messi sidelined from competitive play for nearly three months.

During this downtime, fans may see Messi training individually as he maintains his fitness. Speculation will also likely grow about Inter Miami’s coaching situation, with reports suggesting Gerardo "Tata" Martino could step down for "personal reasons."

Inter Miami has already announced a Valentine’s Day friendly on February 14 against their rival, Orlando City, giving Messi fans something to look forward to after the long break.

Here’s a recap of Messi's standout MLS season in 2024:

Team achievements:

• Inter Miami broke the MLS record for regular-season points with 74.
• Secured the Supporters’ Shield as the league’s best team in the regular season.
• Dominated with a +30 goal differential and 79 total goals scored.

Individual performances:

• Lionel Messi: 20 goals and 16 assists, MVP candidate.
• Luis Suárez: 20 goals and 9 assists, also an MVP contender.
• Gerardo "Tata" Martino: Led the team to its best season yet and remains a top candidate for Coach of the Year.

While 2024 didn’t end with an MLS Cup, it cemented Messi’s and Inter Miami’s place in league history. For now, fans will wait to see the maestro back on the pitch in February.