Lionel Messi, the renowned captain of Inter Miami CF, is set to play against Atlanta United FC on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This match comes as he temporarily steps away from international duties with the Argentina national team.
Messi’s International Duty and MLS Commitment
Recently, Messi was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for two friendly matches during the October FIFA international window. Argentina will face Venezuela and Puerto Rico in these fixtures. However, in a rare occurrence, Messi will participate in Miami’s second-to-last match of the regular MLS season.
Argentina’s Previous Match
In the first match of the October window, Argentina achieved a narrow victory against Venezuela, winning 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Messi did not play in this game, as Scaloni opted to experiment with other players.
- Match: Argentina vs. Venezuela
- Date: October 6, 2023
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Coaching Decisions
Scaloni explained his decision, noting he wanted to assess players such as Lautaro Martinez and Julián Álvarez. He indicated that this strategic choice was made to prepare the team for upcoming matches.
Impact on Inter Miami’s Season
Inter Miami is actively striving for a higher position in the Eastern Conference standings as they have already secured a place in the 2025 MLS playoffs. Currently, the team holds third place with 59 points after 32 matches.
- Current Position: 3rd in Eastern Conference
- Total Points: 59
- Games Played: 32
The Philadelphia Union has clinched the top position and the Supporters’ Shield for the most points during the regular season.
Looking Ahead to Future Matches
When asked about Messi’s availability for the upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico on October 14, Scaloni expressed optimism. This match will also take place at Chase Stadium after its relocation from Chicago.
Golden Boot Race
As the MLS season draws to a close, Messi is currently tied with LAFC striker Denis Bouanga for the most goals, each having scored 24 this season. The performance in Miami’s last two matches will be critical for the prestigious 2025 Golden Boot award.
With Messi’s transition between club and country, fans and sports analysts alike are eager to see how this situation unfolds in the days to come.
