Lionel Messi’s Remaining 2023 Schedule: Inter Miami Star Heads to Argentina for World Cup Qualifiers

• Lionel Messi played in the Noche d’Or after Inter Miami celebrated his Ballon d’Or win
• Inter Miami lost to New York City FC in their final match of the year
• Messi will next play for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying matches

Lionel Messi’s historic 2023 campaign is coming to an end.

The football icon is Argentina-bound after playing for Inter Miami in the Noche d’Or.

Sports Brief looks at the Argentine star’s remaining games in 2023.

No more games for Inter Miami

Inter Miami failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs after finishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The injury that Lionel Messi picked up during the international break proved costly for the Herons as they dropped points in their last six matches in the MLS regular season.

Inter Miami played their final match of the year on Friday, holding a friendly with New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium.

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They celebrated Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win with a Noche d’Or tribute. Fans lauded the football icon, who helped Inter Miami capture their first-ever trophy with a win in the Leagues Cup last August.

The Herons couldn’t end their year on a winning note, though, as they suffered a 2-1 loss to New York City FC.

Messi surprisingly played the full 90 minutes. He had a chance to tie the match late on, but he missed a free kick in the dying minutes.

The match against NYCFC became Inter Miami’s last game of the year after their planned China Tour this month was canceled.

Messi returns to international duty

Messi loves playing for his country and will be back in action for Argentina this month for two World Cup qualifying matches.

La Albiceleste will face Uruguay at home on November 16. They will then lock horns with arch-rivals Brazil on the road on November 21 to conclude their qualifiers for the year.

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The reigning World Cup champions are off to a great start in their qualifying campaign, winning each of their first four matches.

Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0, with Messi scoring the lone goal in the 78th minute via a free kick.

Messi didn’t see action in the game against Bolivia, but Argentina still produced a 3-0 away win.

Argentina maintained their perfect start with wins over Paraguay (1-0) and Peru (2-0).

Messi starred in the win over Peru, scoring a brace in the first half, per the Associated Press.

Messi celebrates with Academy players

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi celebrating his son's birthday at Inter Miami Academy.

He flew back to Florida days after winning the Ballon d'Or title.

Messi took the trophy to the children as he mingled with them for a photo session.