This previous Thursday, Lionel Messi scored twice within the win over Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers, in what was his last official match on Argentine soil. Whereas the group is now getting ready for a visit to Ecuador, the ahead is not going to journey along with his teammates. As an alternative, he’s choosing an early return to Inter Miami to concentrate on Main League Soccer.
On the choice to overlook the ultimate qualifier in opposition to Ecuador, Messi shared the dialog he had with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. “I spoke with Leo and we determined—or moderately, he determined—that I ought to relaxation,” the 38-year-old star defined.
Increasing on the explanations behind the choice, Lionel was direct: “I’m coming off an damage, and though I’m advantageous now, we most well-liked to keep away from the journey and having to play one other match, so I can relaxation correctly and put together nicely for what’s coming.”
In the identical press convention, Messi made it clear what his short-term objectives are with Inter Miami. “We’ve obtained an vital run of video games the place we’re combating for the MLS, which is an goal, and I hope to be at my greatest,” he mentioned. “I’ll attempt to end the MLS event sturdy, grow to be champions.”
Messi scored a brace for Argentina vs Venezuela.
Inter Miami’s tight schedule
Participation within the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 and a deep run to the ultimate of the Leagues Cup in opposition to Seattle Sounders put Inter Miami within the worldwide highlight. However it additionally left them behind in MLS, as they needed to postpone a number of league fixtures to concentrate on these tournaments.
see additionally
MLS 2025 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Hyperlinks
Now it’s time to catch up, and that may imply a significant effort from the gamers. Messi’s early return to Miami will permit him to relaxation correctly and be absolutely ready for the Herons’ subsequent match: an away conflict with Charlotte FC on Saturday, September 13.
From there, a grueling stretch begins, with Inter Miami set to play 7 matches in simply 21 days. Throughout that span, they’ll get solely 3 to 4 days of relaxation between video games, making a heavy bodily load for the squad’s extra skilled gamers.
Inter Miami’s schedule consists of:
- September 13 vs Charlotte FC
- September 16 vs Seattle Sounders
- September 20 vs DC United
- September 24 vs New York Metropolis
- September 27 vs Toronto FC
- September 30 vs Chicago Hearth
- October 4 vs New England Revolution
see additionally
MLS all-time prime scorers: The best objective leaders in league historical past
The place do Inter Miami stand in MLS?
Even with 4 fewer matches performed than most of their rivals, Inter Miami presently sit in a playoff spot. They’re sixth within the Jap Convention standings with 46 factors—11 behind leaders Philadelphia Union. Nonetheless, if the Herons win their 4 video games in hand, they might climb to the highest of the desk.
