Explained: How many MLS games will Lionel Messi miss as he leaves for WC qualifiers?

Lionel Messi has taken American football by storm this season. He played a key role in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup victory. Messi's tenure at Inter Miami has gotten off to an incredible start. The Argentine has scored 11 goals for the team in his first ten appearances, placing him among the top three goal scorers at the club.  He has made 2 appearances in the MLS so far, the last against Nashville on Wednesday. 

3 things you need to know 

• Messi might miss upcoming MLS matches for Inter Miami
• Inter Miami are currently ranked 14th in the Eastern Conference League
• Argentina are set to play in World Cup Qualifiers in the following weeks 

Also Read: Lionel Messi Left Frustrated As Miami's Win Streak Snaps After Match Ends Goalless - WATCH

Lionel Messi is set to miss 2 MLS matches 

Lionel Messi won't be available for certain critical MLS matches, which will present a huge obstacle for Inter Miami. Messi will likely miss two MLS games because he will be part of Argentina's team for the World Cup qualifying matches.

Since moving to Miami as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi has been in outstanding form. In just nine team appearances, he has scored an incredible 11 goals already. The David Beckham-owned Miami team won the inaugural Leagues Cup owing to Messi, who was instrumental in that success. His exceptional play has raised expectations that he may guide the squad in a late-season push to the MLS playoffs.

Messi is scheduled to join the Argentina team for the start of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, so Miami will have to make do without its star player for the next several weeks. Argentina will play Ecuador on September 7 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, then Bolivia on the road three days later. Messi is anticipated to join the defending champions at the beginning of the following week, which could prevent him from participating in Miami's MLS match against LAFC on September 4. On September 10, when Tata Martino's Argentina face Sporting KC, he will unquestionably be missing. Messi, however, ought to return in time for the match against Atlanta United six days later in Florida.

Also Read: 'He's A Phenomenon': Novak Djokovic Shares His Delight After Meeting Lionel Messi At NYC

What is Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers?

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martnez, Franco Armani, Walter Benitez, Juan Musso 

Defenders: Nahuel Molina,Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella , Juan Foyth, Marcos Senesi, Lucas Esquivel

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul , Leandro Paredes , Guido Rodriguez  , Alexis Mac Allister , Exequiel Palacios  , Enzo Fernández , Giovani Lo Celso  , Thiago Almada , Facundo Buonanotte  , Alan Velasco  , Bruno Zapelli  

Forwards: Lionel Messi  , Angel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, Alejandro Garnacho,  Nicolás González , Julian Alvarez , Lucas Beltran, Angel Correa , Thiago Almada