Argentina star to miss key MLS games after being called up by Lionel Scaloni for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifying, which means he will not be available for several important MLS games for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi has been in incredible form for Miami, scoring 11 goals in his first nine appearances. He recently led the team to victory in the Leagues Cup. However, he will be absent from Miami for the next few weeks as he joins Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina’s national football team is set to play against Ecuador and Bolivia in upcoming matches. Lionel Messi, the renowned player, will join the team, but this means he may miss Miami’s MLS encounter against LAFC. However, he will likely be back in time for a match against Atlanta United.

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Walter Benítez (PSV), Juan Musso (Atalanta)

Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Lucas Esquivel (Athletico Paranaense).

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton), Alan Velasco (FC Dallas), Bruno Zapelli (Athletico Paranaense)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Angel Di María (Benfica), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolás González (Fiorentina), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Lucas Beltran (Fiorentina), Angel Correa (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

The Miami team is waiting to find out if Messi will play in their match against LAFC at the BMO Stadium. They urgently need a win to improve their position in the Eastern Conference standings after a goalless draw against Nashville.