Lionel Messi will remain sidelined for Inter Miami through the international break, marking the ninth consecutive Major League Soccer match he has missed this season. This absence contributes to a total of 15 league matches he has not participated in, despite Inter Miami holding the top record in the league and securing a playoff spot. Since June 1, Messi has been unavailable, initially due to his commitments with Argentina during the Copa América tournament and later because of an ankle injury.
The injury occurred during the Copa América final on July 14, but he has recently returned to group training with his club. His absence from the pitch has left fans eager for his return, especially as Inter Miami continues to perform well without their star player.
With Messi not playing on Saturday, the earliest opportunity for him to take the field again will be on September 14, when Inter Miami faces off against Philadelphia. Additionally, he was not selected for Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches in early September, further extending his time away from competitive play.
Despite this setback, Messi has made a significant impact in his limited appearances this season, with an impressive tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 MLS games, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to influence matches.
