How many games will Inter Miami be without superstar Lionel Messi during Copa America 2024?
Barcelona legend and Argentina record goalscorer Lionel Messi won the Copa America in 2021 and quickly followed it up with the 2022 World Cup trophy in Qatar. Argentina, the defending champions will be gearing up to maintain their dominance on the international stage.
Lionel Messi had a strong start to his MLS season in 2024 registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 12 games for Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or was 35 years old when he lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy and many doubted his desire to continue on the international stage.
The Copa America is almost upon us and all eyes will be on the Argentinian maestro who might be seeking a fairytale ending on the international stage. In the 2021 edition, Messi finished as the tournament’s joint top-scorer alongside Neymar with four goals. The defending Champions will go into the tournament as the top seed and have a favourable draw in Group A.
Messi’s brilliant form this season have secured Herons atop the Eastern Conference standings with 27 points in 13 games. The 36-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury back in March and missed a handful of games.
The MLS outfit will face a tough challenge to keep the top spot when both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez depart for their respective countries. Let’s take a look at the number of Inter Miami games Lionel Messi will miss to defend his nation’s crown at the Copa America 2024.
How many Inter Miami games will Lionel Messi miss?
- June 15 – Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami, Subaru Park
- June 19 – Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew, Chase Stadium
- June 29 – Nashville SC vs Inter Miami, Geodis Park
- July 3 – Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami, Bank of America Stadium
- July 6 – FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami, TQL Stadium
- July 17 – Inter Miami vs Toronto FC, Chase Stadium
- July 20 – Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire, Chase Stadium
Unfortunately, Messi’s participation in the Copa America 2024 means he will miss a few games throughout June and July and could potentially win his third major international trophy at Hard Rock Stadium.
Other Inter Miami players who could be called on for the summer tournament include striker Luis Suarez (Uruguay), goalkeeper Drake Callender (USA), midfielder Matias Rojas (Paraguay), and forward Leo Campana (Ecuador).