Soccer enthusiasts are looking forward to the MLS season in 2024. All eyes are on Inter Miami, where fervent fans are keen to witness Lionel Messi in action. The Herons’ joy reached new heights after signing Luis Suarez. Everyone is looking forward to seeing two best friends and former comrades reunite. The season will be crucial for David Beckham’s soccer team because they will have Messi at their disposal from the outset. However, the Argentine great may not be able to stay with the Florida-based club through thick and thin.
Which matches will Lionel Messi miss in the 2024 MLS campaign?
The athlete had joined Miami in the middle of 2023. He has only played six MLS regular-season games for the club, but he led the squad to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup, immediately after his arrival. Messi’s first full season with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami begins Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake, three days earlier than other league openers.
Lionel Messi will miss a total of seven Inter Miami matches. His absence is owing to his obligations to his beloved national team. Messi would have to join his La Albiceleste colleagues for the international break and the 2024 Copa America while the MLS season is still in progress.
Messi will miss the following official matches:
Round 5: DC United (March 16)
Round 6: NY Red Bulls (March 23)
Round 19: Philadelphia (June 15)
Round 20: Columbus (June 19)
Round 21: Nashville (June 29)
Round 22: Charlotte (July 3)
Round 23: Cincinnati (July 6)
Messi will miss the games against DC United and the New York Red Bulls owing to an international break. Meanwhile, due to the 2024 Copa America, games against Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Cincinnati will be canceled. The competition begins on June 20 and runs until July 14; so, he will almost certainly need to rejoin with his World Cup-winning team weeks before the coveted championship begins. Will his absence, however, hurt Miami?
Tata Martino must brace himself for Messi’s absence
Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino must organize ahead of time to deploy his team without his star captain. Notably, the absence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner last season was heartbreaking for the Herons. They not only missed out on the MLS playoffs, but they also failed to add the US Open title after losing to the Houston Dynamo at DRV PNK Stadium.
Although his absence in the final stages of the campaign last year was due to being sidelined, this time things are for his country. It will be interesting to see how Inter Miami fare in 2024.
In any case, Miami should bolster their ranks throughout the preseason so that either of their offensive ranks can stand in for Messi. Otherwise, their domestic success may be jeopardized in the long run. What are your thoughts?