Messi to miss TWO Inter Miami games with Argentina duty

Inter Miami have to play without Messi as the World Cup winner reunites with his Argentina teammates.

Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS games has been confirmed as he finds himself named in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifying.

Messi has found a wonderful start to life at Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals in nine appearances for the club. The 35-year-old led the David Beckham-owned franchise to victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup. Messi’s sensational form has also sparked hopes of a late-season surge for Miami in the MLS playoffs.

Nevertheless, the team’s aspirations will face a hurdle as Messi joins Argentina for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Argentina is scheduled to take on Ecuador at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 7, followed by an away fixture against Bolivia three days later.

This means Messi could potentially miss Miami’s MLS match against LAFC on September 4. Furthermore, he will undoubtedly be absent when Argentina faces Sporting KC on September 10. Fans can expect his return to Florida just in time for the showdown against Atlanta United, set to take place six days after the Sporting KC match.

Asked about Messi’s absence, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino said on Monday: “He’ll miss at least three games this year and next year it will be the same, and we need to understand that when he’s not here the team still needs to provide results.”