MLS
When does Lionel Messi play next for Inter Miami in MLS?
Argentina captain Messi set up two more goals in the win over LAFC but will miss The Herons’ next match due to international duty.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has unsurprisingly led to a resurgence for David Beckham’s Herons, who have moved off the bottom of MLS’ Eastern Conference and the overall standings after two wins and a draw in their last three league matches. The last of those saw the Florida side run out 3-1 victors over 2022 MLS Cup winners LAFC in California and they will have to keep fine run of form going if they are to have any chance of reaching the end-of-season playoffs.
Messi to miss Inter Miami’s next match against Sporting Kansas City
One of the main challenges, however, could well come in their next outing at home to Sporting Kansas City, which Messi won’t play in. The Argentina captain, along with several others members of the roster, will be away on international duty.
Unlike almost ever other top-flight league around the world, MLS doesn’t stop during every FIFA international window, which will force Inter Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino, as well as many of his counterparts, to field weakened teams in their next round of fixtures.
When will Messi play for Argentina in the international break?
The Herons will play host to SKC at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday 9 September, just two days after Messi leads out Argentina in their first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in Buenos Aires (Thursday 7 September). The former Barcelona star is also expected to be involved in the second game of a double header away to Bolivia on Tuesday 12 September, before returning to the United States.
When is Messi’s next game for Inter Miami?
Provided he comes through the international break unscathed, Messi’s next appearance for Inter Miami is likely to come on Saturday 16 September, when The Herons make the trip to Georgia to take on Atlanta United.
Which other Inter Miami players are on international duty?
Messi’s impact in Miami has been instant, with the Florida club also winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and progressing to the final of the US Open Cup, in addition to improving their league position. As a result of their overall improvement, several others members of the roster, including goalkeeper Drake Callender, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and striker Josef Martínez have also been called up by their national teams.
However, the likes of former Barcelona duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as DeAndre Yedlin, Facundo Farías and Leonardo Campana, will all be available to face Sporting Kansas City, which means Inter Miami will still be confident of continuing their rise up the standings towards the playoff zone.