Lionel Messi could miss up to six games with Inter Miami if Argentina reaches the Copa America final.
With 12 goals and a league-leading 13 assists, Messi has been instrumental in pushing Miami to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. Concerns arise about how Miami will cope without him during the Copa America, commencing on Thursday.
However, it’s not just the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who will be absent.
Inter Miami will also be without Luis Suarez, who is part of Uruguay’s squad for the tournament, as well as Matias Rojas, who will represent Paraguay. Additionally, rising star Benjamin Cremaschi is expected to feature in the U.S. Olympic team.
Suarez and Messi have scored a combined total of 24 out of Miami’s league-leading 44 goals this season.
“The key players are missing, but it’s not unexpected. We were aware of the schedule from the start of pre-season in January and aimed to build a team capable of handling the absences,” Miami coach Tata Martino commented.
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A total of thirty-nine Major League Soccer players, along with one from MLS NEXT Pro, were called up by their national teams ahead of the tournament. These players come from 21 of the league’s 29 teams.
“I always say that this presents opportunities for other players who require more playing time, minutes, or opportunities,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja remarked. “National team call-ups cannot be avoided, as players are with their respective teams. However, those who remain here are focusing on becoming stronger and addressing areas that need improvement.”
The Houston Dynamo will be without midfielder Coco Carrasquilla, who made Panama’s squad for the tournament.
“We are in a similar position to most teams. Some are losing four or five players,” Dynamo coach Ben Olsen stated. “Having accomplished players at the international level is usually beneficial most weeks — until they are unavailable, and then we are without them.”
Additionally, the league will be without eight high-profile players who are participating in the European Championship. Players such as LAFC’s Olivier Giroud and Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag will be representing their countries in Europe.
This Copa America will be the second time the United States is hosting the event, featuring 16 teams from South and North America and running from June 20 to July 14.
“It’s a fantastic period for soccer in America,” Olsen expressed. “I am eagerly looking forward to experiencing it all.”
The involvement of MLS players in the Copa America showcases the league’s expanding influence in Latin America. However, some national teams, notably Mexico and Brazil, did not include any MLS players in their squads.
The tournament adds to an already packed schedule for many MLS players, with the Copa America, European Championship, Olympics, and Leagues Cup taking place between June and August, offering a plethora of soccer to watch.
“The schedule is what it is, and we have to make the best of it,” Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin remarked.
Gazdag, who is representing Hungary in the European Championship, has scored 10 goals for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, players like Damion Lowe from Jamaica and Jose Martinez from Venezuela are participating in the Copa America. Goalkeeper Andre Blake was called up for Jamaica, but due to an injury, he is unlikely to start in the tournament.
“Losing our top goal scorer of the season and a crucial defensive player is a significant loss, and we wish him all the best. However, his absence will be felt, and everyone needs to step up,” Curtin emphasized.
It remains to be seen whether MLS experiences a decrease in attendance or viewership due to the absence of key players or simply because of the abundance of soccer events. MLS games are broadcast on Apple TV, while FOX Sports will cover many matches from the Copa America and European Championship in the United States.
Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel emphasized the need for players to step up and take charge in the absence of Messi, Suarez, and Rojas.
“This is our chance to maintain our momentum; we aim to lead the Supporters Shield standings by the end of the season, and every game is vital for that goal,” Gressel stated. “I am highlighting the fact that it’s our time, and we can achieve success even without those players.”
