When will MLS players return after the Copa America 2024?
Major League Soccer (MLS) will have 100 players who are set to represent their respective countries in the Copa America this summer. The likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Olivier Giroud will leave their respective clubs to join their national side.
Unlike the European league, MLS does not pause for Copa America, international Euro competitions, or the World Cup, so the players are expected to miss a handful of games during the MLS season. A regular MLS season begins in February and concludes at the start of December. Some of the top players, like Messi, and Suarez, are expected to miss at least three to four weeks, depending on how their national side progresses into the competition.
Also Read: Luis Suarez will join Messi in his fifth Copa America tournament
When do MLS players return after Copa America in United States?
Several elite MLS teams like Inter Miami, Atlanta United, and LAFC will be affected by the international call-ups due to the upcoming Copa America tournament. The exact date for their return to MLS cannot be predicted.
Players whose teams are eliminated from the competition will automatically report to their domestic club. However, there are other factors, such as injury, that could further delay a player’s return.
How many games can Lionel Messi miss for Inter Miami?
Due to his participation in Copa America, Lionel Messi is expected to miss a handful number of Inter Miami games throughout June and July.
- 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