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Although Lionel Messi received a call-up from Argentina for the September-October international break, he is still anticipated to play for Inter Miami when they face the Columbus Crew this Sunday.
The Herons have grown used to managing without Messi during international windows. While club football across Europe comes to a halt, MLS continues to press on regardless of how many players are away on international duty.
Messi is typically among the notable absentees, but he officially called time on his international career following the 2026 World Cup. After 207 caps, 125 goals, two Copa América trophies and a World Cup victory, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient bid farewell to La Albiceleste.
He is still set to play a farewell game for Argentina on Oct. 6 against Benin, which explains his inclusion in this fall's squad, but until that sentimental occasion arrives, Messi remains committed to the Herons.
The skipper will aim to maintain his brilliant form on Sunday night. Messi has contributed at least one goal involvement in each of his last nine consecutive appearances for Inter Miami, accumulating nine goals and five assists during that stretch. He leads the MLS Golden Boot standings with 20 goals so far.
Inter Miami Missing Key Faces for Columbus Bout
Inter Miami can count on Messi against the Columbus Crew, but they will still be short of several key players who are representing their nations during the three-week international window.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is on duty with Canada, while forward Germán Berterame is featuring for Mexico. Paraguay called upon midfielder Matías Galarza, and Ecuador summoned Fricio Caicedo. Alexander Shaw is also unavailable, as he is featuring for the U.S. U-19 squad.
The defending MLS Cup champions will also be without Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti, with both players expected to sit out the fixture due to injury.
Inter Miami Desperate to Get Back to Winning Ways
Absences aside, Inter Miami cannot afford to sustain their current poor run of form in MLS. The Herons have gone four games without a victory, a streak that dates back to the opening week of September.
Messi and his teammates settled for draws against Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, Nashville SC, and San Diego FC. The accumulation of dropped points has extinguished any lingering hopes of a Supporters' Shield triumph for the South Florida club.
Inter Miami now occupy third place in the Eastern Conference table, sitting 14 points behind leaders Nashville. They also hold only a four-point advantage over fifth-placed Chicago Fire.
A victory over the Crew would finally deliver three points to Nu Stadium and provide the squad with a much-needed morale boost. The silver lining for the Herons is that Columbus are languishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, having claimed just two wins from their last eight league outings.