Just when you thought things could not get worse for Inter Miami, it seems like the team has a bigger problem at their hands. The Herons are currently going through an injury crisis, with multiple names absent from their upcoming MLS opener against Real Salt Lake on the 22nd of February. To add more to their woes, it seems like the team could miss out on the services of Lionel Messi halfway through the season with Argentina’s U23 head coach Javier Mascherano inviting La Pulga to feature at the Paris Olympics with the tournament format three senior reinforcements. 

Former USMNT star and ESPN host Herculez Gomez gave his blunt take on the recent turn of events, urging Inter Miami and MLS to find a way to stop the Argentine from featuring in the coveted tournament. Yet, his desire to don the colors of Argentina is at an all-time high following the World Cup victory. While talking to fellow co-host Sebastian Salazar on the Futbol Americas, Gomez commented on the situation, claiming the decision completely stands with the Argentine if he wants to take up Mascherano’s offer. 

He stated, “Messi is going to do what he wants. There is no. Let me explain how this works to the world. The Olympics is a U23 tournament with three replacements. Because it’s a youth tournament, it’s not a FIFA-sanctioned tournament, I should say. The clubs, the parent club can say, no, you are not going to that. Nobody is telling Messi he’s not going.”

The former USMNT star added that things could get rough for Inter Miami and the MLS if they allow La Pulga to leave for the Olympics. Gomez continued, “The Olympics starts in July 2024. Two days later, guess what starts? Leagues Cup! If I’m a Major League Soccer. If I’m Liga MX and my golden goose, my little prize that I’m going to trout out to everybody is in jeopardy and having the biggest draw that they can have in Lionel Messi.”

The apprehensions are there as Gomez ends, “Yes, I’m worried. Couple that with Copa America, and couple that with other obligations you might have while you are at Inter Miami. It’s a recipe for disaster.” And yes, fans across the US appear on the stands to witness the pocket-size magician from the Pampas!

Lionel Messi has been the selling point for the league following his arrival last summer. The player brought new eyeballs to the league, and his absence could make a massive dent in the viewership. It will be intriguing to see if the David Beckham-owned franchise can convince the player to commit to the team during the tournament, with the team highly reliant on the player for their success on and off the field. Yet, hopes are high for Inter Miami and Beckham!

Inter Miami looks to turn things around with Lionel Messi at the helm

The David Beckham-owned franchise is less than two weeks away from kick-starting their 2024 MLS campaign. Miami has a lot of hopes riding on their shoulders this season, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba making their first appearance as a unit from the very start of the season. The prominent signings have increased the pressure on the team, who will have to deliver day in and day out to live up to the expectations.

With Javier Mascherano Eager to Include Him, Lionel Messi Reacts to Argentina Knocking Brazil Out of Paris Olympics

Despite bagging the Leagues Cup title last season, Inter Miami had a disastrous season last year with the team failing to make it into the MLS’ knockout stages. The side finished second from the bottom of the standings last season, ending their season on a shambolic note. However, the team can turn things around this season with ex-Barcelona stars leading the charge.

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