MLS
Does MLS stop during the FIFA National Team break? What happens with Messi and his call up with Argentina?
Messi tops the list of players called up for Argentina, meaning he will be absent from his MLS duties with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has been called up for Argentina duty, but will MLS competition stop while he is away?
The short answer is no, MLS continues to be played, despite Messi leaving for international duty. In what comes as no surprise, after the impressive level of football shown since his arrival at Inter Miami, where he managed to help the club win their first title in their entire history after beating Nashville SC on penalties, Lionel Messi was top of the list of those called up for the Argentina National Team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The games are to be played against Ecuador and Bolivia, meaning Messi will not be available for ‘Tata’ Martino in the MLS. As a result, the ‘GOAT’ will be absent from MLS for at least the month of September, which is when the forward begins his defence of the World Cup crown he won in 2022.
When do Argentina play?
The Argentina National Team have two matches scheduled: the first of them against Ecuador on September 7 at the El Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires; the second is against Bolivia on September 12 at the Hernando Siles Stadium, in Bolivia.
Therefore, during his commitment to the world champions, Messi will be away from Inter Miami, who continue their fight for the playoff spots. Martino has his work cut out to rack his brain and try to get as many points as possible without their South American star.
Which games will Messi miss with Inter Miami?
Messi will miss the match against Sporting KC on September 9, as he will be with his national team. He may see minutes against LAFC next September 3, but it seems he will feature against Atlanta United on September 16.
Furthermore, as Gerardo ‘Tata’ Matino had already mentioned, the Argentine will miss at least 3 games with Miami as they reach for the playoff line, a tough task for The Herons, who just battled to a goalless draw against Nashville SC at home.
MLS shows its strength in Argentina’s squad
In addition to Lionel Messi’s call-up with La Albiceleste, Thiago Almada and Alan Velasco also made it onto the list as Scaloni begins to turn his head towards the American league, which has been on everyone’s lips.