Lionel Messi’s potential absence from Inter Miami’s clash with New York Red Bulls in March looms large as world champions Argentina announce a two-game tour of China. Having scored 11 goals in 14 appearances since joining Inter Miami as a free agent, Messi’s absence could pose a significant challenge for the team as they gear up for their first full season in Major League Soccer.
The Argentina Football Association (AFA) has revealed that the 2022 World Cup winners will square off against Nigeria in Hangzhou before heading to Beijing to take on Cote d’Ivoire. These matches are slated to serve as warmup games before Argentina’s participation in the 2024 Copa América, set to be hosted in the United States in June. While specific dates for the friendly matches are yet to be finalized, AFA has indicated that they will fall within the international window between March 18-26.
Inter Miami, who finished 14th in the Eastern Conference standings last season and missed out on the playoffs, have pivotal matches lined up in March. With fixtures against D.C. United on March 16 and the Red Bulls on March 23, the potential absence of Messi for these games could impact the team’s performance. However, there remains a possibility of Messi returning in time for Inter Miami’s home league game against New York City FC on March 30.
Despite the scheduling conflicts posed by Argentina’s upcoming tour and the Copa América, Messi has reiterated his commitment to representing his national team. Expected to lead the Albiceleste at the upcoming Copa América, Messi’s dedication to Argentina could result in him missing crucial games for Inter Miami during the MLS regular season.
The absence of Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, could see Inter Miami deprived of his attacking prowess in multiple MLS games. With the Copa América set to take place in the United States across June and July, Messi’s participation in international duty may lead to him missing a minimum of five league games for the club. This potential setback raises questions about how Inter Miami will cope in Messi’s absence and adapt their gameplay strategy to compensate for his absence on the field.
While Messi’s commitment to Argentina is commendable, his absence from Inter Miami could have far-reaching implications for the team’s performance in the upcoming MLS fixtures. As the club navigates through a challenging start to the season, the absence of their star player poses a significant test of their depth and resilience on the field.
Leave a Reply