Copa America 2024 will be here before we know it this summer, and that means Inter Miami will have to make do without superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi has been in full force in 2024 outside of a hamstring injury that saw him miss a handful of games back in March and early April. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has logged seven goals and six assists in just six appearances in MLS action, just one goal behind the Golden Boot leader Cristian 'Chicho' Arango.
The Argentine's brilliant play has cemented the Herons atop the Eastern Conference standings with 18 points from 10 games played, but they'll face a tough challenge in keeping the number one spot in the division when Messi and Luis Suarez depart for Copa America.
Here's the games that Miami's No. 10 could miss during the summer as he looks to guide Argentina to a second-straight Copa America title in what might be his last major international tournament.
June 15 - Philadelphia Union
Messi and his Argentine pals will more than likely receive their call-ups to the national team roughly one week before their first tune-up friendly against Ecuador on June 9. Should Messi steer clear of injuries form now until then, he'll without a doubt be included in Lionel Scaloni's squad for the competition.
Argentina will also take on Guatemala in their second tune-up friendly on June 14.
June 19 - Columbus Crew
Just one day before Argentina kick things off in Copa America, the Herons will square off against defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew on June 19 at Chase Stadium. Even without the game's best-ever player, it should still be an intriguing contest between two of the most entertaining teams in Major League Soccer.
Meanwhile, Messi will look to propel the Herons to victory over Canada in Argentina's first group stage contest against Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20.
June 29 - Nashville SC
Argentina will aim to just about qualify for the knockout stage when they take on Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium, and will round out their group stage campaign against Peru on June 29 at Hard Rock Stadium -- ironically, that game is taking place in Miami. Depending on if they finish in first or second place out of Group A, Argentina will take on one of Mexico, Jamaica, Ecuador and Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
On the other hand, Miami will renew their rivalry once more with Nashville SC on June 29 at GEODIS Park. The two clubs have had some feisty encounters over the last year in Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup action, but this time Messi won't take part.
July 3 - Charlotte FC
Should Argentina fulfill expectations and progress to the quarterfinals, they'll aim to advance to the next phase of the competition when the last eight will take the field from July 4-6. At the same time, Miami will return to action on July 3 to square off against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium.
July 6 - FC Cincinnati
Miami's last visit to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati was a rather eventful one, with the Herons escaping out of Ohio on penalties en route to lifting the Leagues Cup title. Miami are all set to take on the Orange and Blue on July 6, looking to make it two wins in a row over the Herons.
However, the Herons might not have Messi available this time around should Argentina continue to win in Copa America. After the quarterfinals, the semifinals are slated for July 9-10, when Messi and Co. will still hope to be in the conversation and just a game away from the final.
July 17 - Toronto FC
Miami will square off with Toronto FC at home on July 17, just three days after the Copa America final on July 14. Even if Argentina are eliminated in the semifinals just a few days prior, the reignign World Cup winners will still take part in the third place contest on July 14.
July 20 - Chicago Fire
Miami's last Major League Soccer contest before Leagues Cup comes against Chicago Fire at Chase Stadium on July 20. Although Copa America will be done and dusted by the time this game comes around, Messi will more than likely sit this one out in order to recover from the international tournament and to recharge for Leagues Cup.
Miami will want their superstar to be fit and firing in order to repeat as champions following their triumph last year over Nashville in the final when the club lifted their first-ever title.
