As Lionel Messi embarks on his first full season with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS), the celebrated football star is set to face a demanding schedule that may lead him to miss several key matches due to international commitments. The Argentine forward, fresh from winning a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or, will likely be absent for around six games as he balances club responsibilities with national duty.
Inter Miami, the Fort Lauderdale-based team, is gearing up for an action-packed season starting on February 21 against Real Salt Lake. However, the MLS's 2024 schedule, which sees each team playing 34 matches, clashes with international fixtures, notably affecting Messi's availability. One such conflict arises on March 23, when Inter Miami is set to visit the Red Bulls, which coincides with an international window potentially involving Messi with the Argentine national team.
The primary cause for Messi's anticipated absences is the Copa America, scheduled from June 20 to July 14 next year. During this period, Messi is expected to represent Argentina, causing him to miss Inter Miami's clashes against several teams, including Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Cincinnati. Moreover, following the Copa America, Inter Miami has home matches against Toronto and Chicago, which might also see Messi sidelined due to his international commitments.
Messi's dedication to his national team, La Albiceleste, remains unwavering. In the recent FIFA CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina continued its strong performance, maintaining a lead in the standings. This commitment, however, means that Inter Miami might frequently have to strategize without their star player during these crucial international fixtures.
Since joining Inter Miami midway through the 2023 season, Messi has made a significant impact, leading the team to its maiden trophy by winning the Leagues Cup. His arrival in the US followed a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which he described as forgettable. Messi notably highlighted the lack of recognition he received from PSG after Argentina's World Cup victory, a triumph where he was instrumental, scoring seven goals, including two in the final.
Messi's transition to Inter Miami hasn't been without its challenges. His final months at PSG were marked by tension, including a suspension for an unauthorized trip and noticeable discontent from fans. However, his move to MLS signifies a new chapter for the football icon, one where his influence extends beyond the pitch, impacting the league's visibility and prestige.
As Inter Miami and its fans brace for a season with intermittent appearances from Messi, the focus will be on how the team adapts to his absence and capitalizes on his presence. Messi's journey in MLS is not just a test of his enduring skills but also a narrative of balancing club glory with national pride.
