In a major setback for David Beckham’s Inter Miami, Argentine star Lionel Messi will be sitting out on nearly half a dozen matches in the upcoming season of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Messi will not take part in at least seven matches in the MLS season set to kick off in February next year.
The star footballer’s absence stems from his commitments with the Argentina national team throughout 2024.
The Copa America is scheduled for this summer, spanning June and July, where Messi aims to assist Argentina in securing another major title following their World Cup triumph in 2022.
Consequently, he will miss at least five MLS games for Miami during the tournament, spanning from June 15 to July 6, including matches against Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Nashville SC, Charlotte FC, and FC Cincinnati, reported mirror.co.uk.
Messi, alongside Argentina, will compete in three group games against Chile, Peru, and another team yet to qualify. The Copa America final is set for July 14, merely three days before Miami hosts Toronto at the DRV PNK Stadium in MLS.
Additionally, there’s a possibility of him missing two early-season games for Miami in March, coinciding with a FIFA international break. The specific matches Argentina will play during this period are yet to be confirmed.
If Argentina participates in these friendlies in March, Messi would miss two more MLS matches for Miami against DC United on March 16 and New York Red Bulls on March 23.