FIFA international break offers headache for Inter Miami and MLS
The absence of Lionel Messi during the FIFA dates has led the MLS to ponder halting games with many teams set to lose players to international teams.
The first FIFA international window of the new season is approaching with players set to head off and play for their respective nations. South America will see the first of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers taking place whilst in Europe, qualifying for Euro 2024 continues with other nations such as the US involved in high profile friendly games.
Lionel Messi is averaging a goal contribution every 51 minutes for Inter Miami 😳
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 29, 2023
... he's 36 years old 🐐 pic.twitter.com/iADrJtSmSN
Traditionally, unlike other high profile leagues, MLS never breaks for the international windows. However, the presence of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has led MLS bosses to consider the idea of carrying out a break during the FIFA dates given that Messi will be on international duty with the “albiceleste” during the dates in September.
Called up 📞 🇻🇪
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 29, 2023
Josef Martínez has been called up to represent the Venezuelan national team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches during the September international break.
Details: https://t.co/4zXKYum5QK pic.twitter.com/dTyctyTD3B
Tata on FIFA window
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino was asked about the forthcoming international games and that many of his players will be absent: “I understand that they are analyzing it for the following year and it is likely that this will happen (stop MLS during FIFA dates)”, explained Martino.
Inter Miami will have Messi present for the next two league matches (Nashville at home and LAFC away on Sunday) but then the Argentine will miss the following games (Sporting KC at home and Atlanta United away).
🇺🇸 La MLS se plantea interrumpir la competición durante las fechas FIFA a partir de 2024
— Tiempo de Juego (@tjcope) August 29, 2023
➡️ Con el objetivo de que Messi no se pierda ninguna jornada de competición
🙋🏻♂️ El 'Tata' Martino lo confirmó en rueda de prensahttps://t.co/itoHkK7KTK
Inter Miami September exodus
Lionel Messi will be the highest profile absentee for the Herons but Tata Martino will also be without at least eight key players with DeAndre Yedlin and Drake Callender on duty with the USA, Kryvstov (Ukraine), Miller (Canada), Ruiz (Honduras) Azcona (Dominican Republic), Leonardo Campana ( Ecuador) and Taylor (Finland) are all set to be absent, in addition to the possible call-up of Cremaschi with the USMNT.
Inter Miami will have depleted roster for Sept 9 game vs KC. Among players who could be missing for natl team duty: Messi, Yedlin, Callender, Kryvtsov, Alba, Miller, Ruiz, Azcona, Gomez, Campana, Taylor. Cremaschi may get call up to US camp, too. @HeraldSports #InterMiamiCF
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) August 29, 2023