Lionel Messi Returns to Argentina for International Duty: When Will He Play for Inter Miami Again?

• Argentina have called up Lionel Messi to play in their World Cup qualifiers
• Messi will miss at least one game for Inter Miami as a result
• The Herons have yet to lose a match with Messi in their lineup

Lionel Messi is going back home.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been called up for international duty once more, with the 36-year-old set to play in Argentina’s two World Cup qualifiers.

That’s bad news for Inter Miami supporters, who will miss seeing Messi in action for at least one game.

Sports Brief looks at the games Messi will play for Argentina during the international break and the Inter Miami match that he will miss.

Messi plays for Argentina again

Messi loves playing for his country.

The Argentina captain will lead La Albiceleste once more on September 7, when they face Ecuador in Buenos Aires in their first qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.

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He is also expected to feature in Argentina’s away game against Bolivia on September 12 before returning to the United States to resume his duties for Inter Miami, per AS.

Fans are excited to see Messi play for Argentina in an official match once again.

The last time he saw action for the national team in an official game was back in December in the 2022 World Cup final, which they won over France via a penalty shootout.

Messi's Inter Miami absence

Messi making himself available for Argentina means that he will be forced to miss Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS match against Sporting Kansas City, per Goal.com.

That showdown is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 9, two days after Argentina’s clash with Ecuador.

The main question for Inter Miami fans is, will Messi be ready to play for their game against Atlanta United on September 16?

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That game will happen just four days after Argentina's road game against Bolivia on September 12.

The team will check on his condition first, given the long travel from South America to the United States.

Van Gaal claims WC was rigged

Sports Brief recently reported on Louis van Gaal claiming the Qatar World Cup was rigged for Argentina to win.

The Dutch manager claimed the games were premeditated and lined up for Messi to complete a football fairy tale.

The Netherlands lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.