Soccer fans are eagerly awaiting the 2024 campaign of the MLS. All eyes are on Inter Miami, as ardent supporters desperately await to see Lionel Messi in action. The excitement touched the sky after the Herons signed Luis Suarez. Everyone looks forward to witnessing the reunion of two best friends and former teammates. The season marks an important one for David Beckham’s soccer franchise, as they’ll have Messi at their disposal from the start. But will they have him till the end?

The Argentinian superstar might not be there the whole time to stick through thick and thin with the Florida-based club. La Pulga will be forced to miss a few matches. What’s the reason behind this?

Which matches will Lionel Messi miss in the 2024 MLS campaign? 

The player had joined Miami midway through 2023. He has appeared in only six MLS regular-season matches with the club, but shortly after his arrival, he led the team to its first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup. Now Messi’s first full season with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami starts Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake in a matchup three days ahead of other openers.

Lionel Messi will miss a total of seven matches for Inter Miami. The reason for this absence is due to his commitments to his beloved national team. During the ongoing MLS tournament, Messi would need to join his La Albiceleste teammates for the international break and the 2024 Copa America. 

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The official matches that Messi will miss are as follows: 

• 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)

The fixtures against DC United and the NY Red Bulls that Messi will miss are due to an international break. Meanwhile, the games against Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Cincinnati will be missed due to the 2024 Copa America. The competition begins on June 20 and will be played until July 14; hence, it’s certain that he will need to reunite with his World Cup-winning team weeks before the prestigious tournament begins. But will his absence prove costly for Miami?

Tata Martino must brace himself for Messi’s absence

Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino must plan things from the start to deploy his side without his star skipper. Notably, the eight-time Ballon d’Or’s absence last season was sad for the Herons. Not only did they lose the race for the MLS playoffs, but they also failed to add the U.S. Open trophy after losing against the Houston Dynamo at the DRV PNK Stadium.

Although his absence last year in the final stages of the campaign was after he got sidelined, this time things are for his country. It will be interesting to see how things pan out for Inter Miami in 2024.

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Whatever the case may be, Miami should bolster their ranks in the pre-season itself so that either of their attacking ranks can fill in for Messi. Otherwise, it could disrupt their domestic progress in the long run. What do you think?

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