Will Lionel Messi Miss Inter Miami's Showdown with the Columbus Crew?

Will Lionel Messi miss Inter Miami's showdown with the Columbus Crew?

Lionel Messi's status for Inter Miami's match against the Columbus Crew is uncertain after his World Cup appearance. The Crew will face Inter Miami on August 1, just 13 days after Messi played the full 120 minutes in the World Cup final.

What happened?

Lionel Messi failed to help Argentina win back-to-back World Cup titles, falling to Spain 1-0 on July 19. The 39-year-old appeared in all eight games during his expected final World Cup.

Why it matters for Lionel Messi

Messi has missed multiple matchups against the Crew due to international play since arriving in MLS in 2023. During the 2024 regular season, Messi missed a 2-1 victory over the Crew, as he had already joined Argentina's national camp for Copa America.

What comes next?

The Crew matchup is the last of Miami's three regular-season games before opening Leagues Cup against Atletico San Luis on August 5. Additionally, the game falls within the 21-day rest period FIFA and FIFPRO have agreed upon for players at the end of a season.

According to FIFA, "There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season." This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.

Messi has recorded three goals and three assists in three games against the Crew. However, the 21-day rest period isn't required at the end of a player's World Cup stint, but is still an option for Messi.

Miami returns from the MLS World Cup break on July 22 against the Chicago Fire, with Messi and Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul out for that and the following game against CF Montreal on July 25, according to ESPN.

The Crew matchup is the last of Miami's three regular-season games before opening Leagues Cup against Atletico San Luis on August 5.

Lionel Messi's status for Inter Miami's match against the Columbus Crew remains uncertain, and fans will have to wait until August 1 to see if he will take the field.

category: club_news