- Argentine heading off with his country
- Has 25 goal contributions this season
- Others need to step up in his absence
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Herons are aware that they could be without their talismanic captain for up to five matches as he heads off on international duty with Argentina. His final game at domestic level for the foreseeable future saw more history made by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in a thrilling 3-3 draw with St Louis City
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 2024 Copa America will run from June 20 to July 14, with Inter Miami also aware that players may be called away to the Olympic Games in Paris. Tata Martino has said of Messi’s performance against St Louis and why he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Chase Stadium: “In today’s game, Leo was practically responsible next to Jordi for the participation of the attack. He was involved in the definition of strikes, he insisted throughout the game. He finished the game well – and now will do what has corresponded to him his whole life, which is play for Argentina.”
WHAT NEXT?
Inter Miami, who could also see star striker Luis Suarez called up for Copa duty by Uruguay, will be back in action next Saturday when taking in a trip to the Philadelphia Union. They remain top of the MLS Eastern Conference for now, but have played two games more than FC Cincinnati – who are only two points off the pace.
