Lionel Messi, the heartbeat of Inter Miami and global soccer icon, is once again putting his country first, as Argentina’s national team coach Lionel Scaloni named the superstar and teammate Rodrigo De Paul to a 28-player squad for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The matches, set for October 10 in Miami and October 13 in Chicago’s Soldier Field, respectively, have thrown a wrench into Inter Miami’s high-stakes MLS campaign, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation—and concern.
The timing couldn’t be more precarious for Inter Miami. Just one day after Argentina’s clash with Venezuela, the Herons face a pivotal MLS regular-season match against Atlanta United on October 11 at Chase Stadium. With Inter Miami already locked into the 2025 MLS playoffs, the team is in a fierce battle for a top spot in the Eastern Conference to secure home-field advantage in the postseason. Even more tantalizing, a shot at the Supporters’ Shield is within reach—but only if Miami wins their final three league matches and the Philadelphia Union stumbles in their last two games.
Messi’s participation in the Venezuela friendly remains shrouded in uncertainty, and Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano isn’t spilling the beans. When pressed about whether Messi and De Paul would suit up for Argentina on October 10, Mascherano played it coy, saying, “It’s something we’re talking through right now, you’ll find out.” His cryptic response only fuels the tension surrounding Miami’s title aspirations, as the club grapples with the absence of its star player at a critical juncture.
Adding intrigue to the Venezuela matchup, Inter Miami’s own Telasco Segovia earned a call-up to represent the opposing side, setting the stage for a fascinating club-versus-country subplot. The young midfielder will look to make his mark against his club captain, Messi, in what promises to be a fiery encounter.
Inter Miami’s recent form adds urgency to the situation. Coming off a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Chicago Fire, the team sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points from 31 games. Every point matters as they chase a higher seed and the coveted Supporters’ Shield, a trophy that would cement their dominance in the regular season. But with Messi potentially prioritizing Argentina’s friendlies over club duties, Miami’s dreams of glory hang in the balance.
For Messi, the choice is clear: Argentina comes first. His loyalty to the Albiceleste, with whom he won the 2022 World Cup, remains unshakable. Yet, for Inter Miami fans, the question lingers—can the Herons soar without their talisman, or will Messi’s absence prove too costly in their quest for MLS supremacy? As the October 10 friendly looms, all eyes will be on Miami, where club and country collide in a drama fit for the biggest stage.