Lionel Messi, the renowned captain of the Argentine national team, is currently facing an injury setback that has prevented him from participating in recent matches for Inter Miami. Despite this, he has been named in the squad for the upcoming South American Qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru for the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami's Challenge Without Messi

Inter Miami has experienced a tough time without their star player, with Messi missing the last three matches and having previously been absent for two others. Unfortunately, the team has encountered difficulties during these games, suffering two losses, securing two draws, and managing only one victory. These results are undoubtedly a cause for concern for coach Gerardo Martino, considering Messi's ongoing recovery process.

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Critical Match for Inter Miami and Messi

The upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday holds great significance for Inter Miami, as they aim to return to winning ways and maintain their contention for the MSL playoffs. Coach Martino is hopeful that Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of the Argentine National Team, will make his comeback against the conference leaders.

Consequences of Non-qualification

Failure to qualify for the playoffs would mean that Inter Miami, as well as Messi, could potentially be without official matches for a considerable period. From late October until late February, there will be no competition in the United States for the Florida-based franchise. Therefore, if Inter Miami fails to seize all nine possible points in their remaining three matches of the season, the team led by David Beckham will face an extensive hiatus from official games.

Conclusion:

The absence of Lionel Messi from recent Inter Miami matches has had a noticeable impact on the team's performance and results. As the talented player continues to recover from his muscular injury, the upcoming clash against FC Cincinnati becomes a pivotal moment for Inter Miami's playoff aspirations. The team's ability to secure a place in the playoffs will determine whether they can sustain their competitive momentum or face an extended period without official matches. All eyes will be on Inter Miami as they strive to overcome this challenge and keep their chances alive.