How will Inter Miami survive without Messi

Inter Miami are on an unbeaten 11 game streak with Lionel Messi at their disposal, but how will they manage as he prepares to reroute to international duty?

The World Cup winner has been named in Argentina’s latest squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Ecuador. He will be unavailable for Inter Miami and thus will miss at least one game. 

Messi will not be available for the outing against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, as Miami strive to keep their play off bid on track, but could turn tail for the tie against Atlanta United on September 16 if he faces no untimely knocks while away with Argentina. 

Tata Martino will face the arduous task of continuing the winning momentum for his side without the services of the Argentine maestro, with the boss ready to take on the challenge after seeing his side move to within eight points.  Martino talked about carrying on without the magnanimous presence of Messi: “We will try to put together the best performance possible against Kansas City. We’ll also hope that the players leaving come back healthy and well so that we can continue this stretch.”

Messi has scored 11 goals and bagged 5 assists for Inter Miami in 11 appearances across all competitions, with those contributions assisting to deliver League Cup glory, a place in the U.S. Open final and a chance of advancing through the MLS play-offs.