Lionel Messi has set the Major League Soccer (MLS) on fire ever since signing for Inter Miami. The team has scuffled recently as the veteran has missed the last few games due to injury issues. The sensational form of Inter Miami has also fallen down since the 36-year-old has been sidelined.
Lionel Messi has indulged in 16 goal contributions since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. The Argentinian has only played 12 matches for the MLS side so far. Leo has signed a contract with the club that darts for a period of approximately two and a half years.
According to the reports, despite the latest injury worries of Argentina’s number ten, he has been called up for his country’s forthcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Argentina is scheduled to face Paraguay and Peru in this month of October 2023.
The management would be hoping the 36-year-old does return for his country in these matches. A fully fit Leo will bolster their hopes of qualifying for the event.
Lionel Messi has been called up to Argentina’s October roster for upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite his injury.
Messi hasn’t featured for Inter Miami in four consecutive matches. pic.twitter.com/9KK3NQqwoV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 5, 2023
This national call-up is slightly surprising. This is because of the fact that the Argentinian has not played any part in his club Inter Miami’s last four matches. As per the reports, the 36-year-old is going through a tissue ailment. Despite being included, it remains to be seen, if the veteran will play in these qualifier matches for his country.
Argentina won its first two matches of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The team defeated Ecuador and Bolivia in September. Argentina currently sits at the second spot in the qualifying table.
Leo scored against Ecuador to help his country clinch a 1-0 win. The La Albiceleste comprehensively defeated Bolivia in the second match by a thumping scoreline of 0-3.
When is Lionel Messi expected to return for Inter Miami?
There is no official confirmation of the 36-year-old’s return to on-field action. But, some of the reports do suggest that the Argentinian could return to action in Inter Miami’s next MLS game against FC Cincinnati.
Earlier Inter Miami’s number ten was substituted during their match against Toronto in the later part of the September month. The reports stated the injury scare was related to some leg trouble. Also as per some of the reports, the same leg injury has been bothering the player since the World Cup last year.
It remains to be seen if Leo did take part in Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati. The club had a string of poor results recently. Considering this, the manager Gerardo Martino would love to have the Argentinian fit and ready. However, the management would not want to take any perilous chances with the player.
