Messi will play for Miami, skipping the Argentina match!

Earlier in the day, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said that Messi’s participation would depend on whether he plays against Venezuela. The final decision would be made by the Argentina national team.

Since Messi did not play against Venezuela, there is now a possibility that he could return to Inter Miami for Saturday’s MLS match at Miami’s home venue, DRV PNK Stadium. After that, he could rejoin Argentina ahead of their next match against Puerto Rico, which will also take place in Miami.

Mascherano said, “If he doesn’t play tonight, then there’s a possibility. I want Leo with us, but the truth is, he hasn’t been with the team this week. Rodrigo (De Paul) and Telasco (Segovia) are still out. Only Fafa (Picault) has returned, as Haiti released him. The others are still with their national teams.”

He added, “When players go to their national teams, we don’t intervene or try to bring them back. For now, everything remains as it was.”

When asked whether Messi could play even though he hasn’t trained with the team, Mascherano said, “Everyone knows Messi can play at any time. But I don’t want to speculate, because he isn’t here now, and I haven’t spoken to him. Let’s see what happens tonight.”

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also confirmed that Messi still has a chance to play for Inter Miami. Scaloni said, “I’ll speak with him in the afternoon, and then we’ll see. There’s nothing more to say. Coincidentally, we are playing here, and the second match against Puerto Rico could also be in Miami, but it’s not confirmed yet. Everything is still uncertain.”

Inter Miami is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference. Although they have lost the chance to win the Supporters’ Shield, winning their last two matches and depending on other results could still see them finish in second place. On Saturday, they will play Atlanta United, and the season will conclude on Decision Day, October 18.