Messi will travel over 45,000km in 27 days for both Inter Miami and Argentina

Messi remains as the single huge doubt for the Argentina National Team ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier game against Peru, with the fitness of the forward still causing concern for fans the world over. Despite the doubt surrounding his physical state, the media in Argentina have confirmed that the player has travelled with the team and could even see minutes against their continental opponents.

An injury to Messi’s right hamstring is what is causing his national side to take the utmost care of their captain. He has been on the sidelines for the final run of games for Inter Miami, his club side, who missed out on the postseason in MLS, something that does not concern his national team in the slightest, they only want to see a fit and happy Messi.

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“As far as the national team are concerned, he is going to be training until the next FIFA date. Being selfish, it isn’t bad for us”, were the words from Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni when asked about the ex-barça forward.

However, Miami changed the plans and confirmed a sensationally lucrative international tour, one that drastically changes Messi’s schedule. The holiday season will have to wait for the World Champion, who will now take part in two friendly games in China.

According to Olé, Messi will have to carry out a journey of roughly 45,000km between October 16, when Argentina travel to Peru, and November 12.

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Messi’s crazy air-miles

After the game in Lima, the Argentine will have to return to Miami in order to report back to Tata Martino ahead of the two remaining MLS games of the season, both against Charlotte. After these two games, Messi will have a 2-week rest period before his side pack their bags for the far-east, timed as such so that their bodies do not get used to not having any game time.

Messi’s return is expected between Friday 10 and Saturday 11 September, and from there he will fly to the national side, who will play two tough ties against Uruguay and Brazil.

The distance could be even longer should Messi decide to travel to Paris for the 2023 Ballon d’Or gala, which takes place on October 30. By the way, the fear of flying is known as aerophobia; Messi’s probably glad his only worry is a hamstring issue.

Lionel Messi

• Inter Miami CF
• delantero
• Argentina

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