Messi Poised to Join Argentina for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Amidst Packed Inter Miami Schedule

Lionel Messi, the global football icon and captain of the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, is likely to join his national team later this month for two pivotal World Cup qualifying matches. The potential inclusion of Messi comes as Argentina prepares for a challenging double-header against formidable opponents: Uruguay and Brazil.

The Argentine squad, led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, will first travel to Montevideo to face Uruguay at the historic Estadio Centenario on March 21st at 7:30 p.m. ET. This match promises to be a fierce contest, as Uruguay currently occupies the second spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, making them a significant threat to Argentina’s dominance.

Following the clash against Uruguay, Argentina will return home to Buenos Aires to host arch-rivals Brazil at the Mâs Monumental stadium on March 25th at 8 p.m. ET. The encounter against Brazil is always a highly anticipated affair, fueled by the intense rivalry between the two South American giants. Securing a victory against Brazil would not only bolster Argentina’s qualifying campaign but also serve as a major morale boost for the team.

Messi’s potential involvement in these crucial qualifiers was signaled by his inclusion in a preliminary list of 33 players called up by coach Scaloni. As has been the customary practice throughout his illustrious career, Messi is expected to join the national team during FIFA international breaks, such as the upcoming one scheduled from March 17th to 25th, coinciding with the two qualifying matches.

While the prospect of Messi representing Argentina is undoubtedly exciting for fans, it also raises concerns about his already demanding workload with Inter Miami. The 2025 season has presented Messi with a congested schedule, requiring him to balance his commitments to both club and country.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Messi was rested for Inter Miami’s recent 4-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo. This decision, made by Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, was a strategic move to safeguard Messi’s fitness amidst the relentless schedule. Mascherano recognized the importance of preserving Messi’s physical condition for the crucial matches ahead, both in MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Despite missing the game against Houston, Messi has already featured in three of Inter Miami’s four matches this year, showcasing his dedication to the club. However, the upcoming weeks will be particularly demanding, as Inter Miami is scheduled to play four more matches before the FIFA international window.

Between February 19th and March 16th, a span of just 25 days, Inter Miami will participate in four MLS games and four games in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a testament to the intense demands placed on the team and its star player.

Messi is expected to be back in action for Inter Miami on Thursday, when the team hosts Jamaican league champions Cavalier FC in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup matchup. The return leg is scheduled to be played in Jamaica on March 13th.

Following the Champions Cup fixture, Inter Miami will turn its attention back to MLS action, hosting Charlotte FC on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. A further challenge awaits on March 16th, as Inter Miami travels to Atlanta to face Atlanta United in a rematch of last season’s MLS Cup Playoffs first-round encounter, which saw Atlanta eliminate Inter Miami in a stunning upset.

Amidst this demanding club schedule, the potential addition of two World Cup qualifying matches adds another layer of complexity to Messi’s workload. The coaching staffs of both Inter Miami and Argentina will need to carefully manage his playing time and recovery to ensure he remains fit and available for both teams.

From a broader perspective, the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches are of paramount importance for Argentina. Currently, Argentina leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 25 points, a testament to their consistent performance and determination.

However, the competition remains fierce, with Uruguay closely trailing in second place with 20 points from 12 games played last year. Brazil currently occupies the fifth position with 18 points, while Ecuador and Colombia are also in contention with 19 points each.

The matches against Uruguay and Brazil will undoubtedly be crucial in determining Argentina’s path to the 2026 World Cup. With Messi potentially in the squad, Argentina will be looking to solidify its position at the top of the qualifying table and take a significant step towards securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.

The presence of Messi in the Argentine squad would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team’s morale and chances of success. His leadership, experience, and unparalleled talent make him an invaluable asset on the field.

As the highly anticipated matches draw nearer, fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of Messi’s participation. His presence would undoubtedly elevate the games to another level, adding to the excitement and drama of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The world will be watching to see if Messi can once again lead Argentina to victory on the road to the 2026 World Cup.