Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, may find himself unable to participate in Inter Miami’s upcoming match against the New York Red Bulls in March. The Argentina national team, reigning champions of the 2022 World Cup, have recently announced their plans for a two-game tour of China. This tour will serve as warm-up matches before their participation in the 2024 Copa América, set to be held in the United States in June.
Having joined Inter Miami as a free agent in June, Lionel Messi has quickly made an impact, scoring an impressive 11 goals in just 14 appearances. As he prepares for his first full season in Major League Soccer, the prospect of his absence due to international duties poses a challenge for both Messi and his club.
Inter Miami, who finished 14th in the Eastern Conference standings in the previous season and missed out on the playoffs, had slated matches against D.C. United on March 16 and the Red Bulls on March 23. Unfortunately, these fixtures coincide with Argentina’s friendly matches against Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, which are scheduled to take place between March 18-26.
The exact dates of the matches are yet to be announced, leaving uncertainty as to whether Messi will be available to represent Inter Miami. If he is included in Argentina’s traveling squad, the star player could potentially only return in time for Inter Miami’s home league game against New York City FC on March 30.
Messi’s absence, should it occur, could have significant consequences for Inter Miami. As the team seeks to improve upon their previous season’s performance and secure a place in the playoffs, losing a player of Messi’s caliber could prove challenging. His absence would see Inter Miami without their star player for a substantial period, potentially missing at least five MLS games while the Copa América takes place.
Despite the potential impact on his club, Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to continue playing for the Argentina national team. He is expected to lead the Albiceleste as their captain in the upcoming Copa América. However, his commitment to the national team means sacrificing valuable playing time with Inter Miami, which could affect the team’s cohesion and performance.
Lionel Messi’s potential absence due to Argentina’s tour of China poses a significant challenge for Inter Miami. As they strive for improvement and success in the upcoming season, they face the prospect of competing against strong opponents without their star player. The impact of Messi’s absence on the team’s performance and standings cannot be understated. As football enthusiasts eagerly await further information on the exact dates of the friendly matches, Inter Miami fans are left hoping for Messi’s swift return to the squad and his continued excellence on the field.