Just days on from Inter Miami missing out on the MLS playoffs, Messi and Farías have joined up with La Albiceleste for the upcoming international games.
Joe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Oct 9th, 2023 11:55 EDT
ETIENNE LAURENTEFE
Just days after seeing their MLS 2023 playoff hopes slashed, Lionel Messi and Facundo Farías have joined up with the Argentina National team ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier games.
Inter Miami lost 0-1 to Suppporters’ Shield Champions FC Cincinnati in a pulsating but ultimately heartbreaking game for the home side, who welcomed back their Argentine star to the field after a lengthy absence from the side due to an injury.
78' | Goal Cincinnati#MIAvCIN | 0-1
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 8, 2023
Messi joins up with Argentina – will he play?
Messi’s return was not enough to see his side through, as the power from the team top of MLS’ Eastern Conference was too much to handle: Drake Callender’s save was sent out to Álvaro Barreal, who tapped home to give his side all three points and end the dreams for Tata Martino and co.
However, Messi, who has been linked to Saudi Arabia, will have to quickly put his domestic disappointment behind him as he has already travelled to meet up with his Argentina teammates ahead of their World Cup qualifier games. Facundo Farías, also of Inter Miami, travelled with the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner to join Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
It remains to be seen whether or not Messi will feature for Argentina in their games, as the forward has been suffering for a number of weeks with an injury which has forced him to sit in the stands. Granted, Messi did return against Cincinnati but he came on as a second-half substitute, so he cannot be 100% match fit. Ultimately, it will be down to both Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi as to whether or not he features for the side.
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Messi returned to Inter Miami duty against FC Cincinnati.CHRIS ARJOONAFP
