Unfortunately for Inter Miami, a number of MLS games fall within international windows and that means they will potentially be without Messi for some crucial fixtures.
While Messi starred in Miami's away win against Los Angeles FC on September 3, he now heads to Buenos Aires to join up with the Argentina squad ahead of games on September 7 and September 12.
That means he will be unavailable for Inter Miami's MLS match against Sporting Kansas City on September 9. He could be back for the game against Atlanta United on September 15, but that will depend on his condition, as Argentina will have played three days earlier.
Later, in October, Messi could miss another Inter Miami game since Argentina have two more World Cup Cup qualifying fixtures in that international window.
The fact that Argentina play Peru in Lima on October 17 means that the October 18 home game against Charlotte in MLS is likely to go ahead without Messi.
In a best case scenario, Messi will only miss two Inter Miami games due to Argentina commitments, but could end up missing three. You can see the fixtures that Messi is likely to miss below.
| Date | Game | Venue |
|---|
| Sep 9 | Inter Miami vs Sporting Kansas City | DRV PNK Stadium, FL |
| Sep 15 | Atlanta United vs Inter Miami* | Mercedes-Benz Stadiu, GA |
| Oct 18 | Inter Miami vs Charlotte | DRV PNK Stadium, FL |
*It is possible that Messi will be available for Inter Miami's game against Atlanta United on September 15, but it will depend on his condition after Argentina's game against Bolivia, which takes place on September 12.
