Amid Calls to Fill Lionel Messi’s Absence, Inter Miami Star Ditches National Team Duties for Club

Sand is slipping through the hourglass before Lionel Messi takes a temporary domestic recess. In just a few weeks, the Inter Miami star will reunite with Argentina for the impending 2024 Copa America. While other stars are also expected to take a leave for a brief international break, the club’s forward, Robert Taylor, has decided to snub national calls and instead play for the Herons.

During the press conference ahead of the Vancouver clash, the 29-year-old was asked if he would answer the Finnish national team’s call for the upcoming international break. However, the forward surprisingly pledged an alliance with Tata Martino and Co. “We have games with Inter Miami, I will play for Inter Miami,” he said. This suggests that Taylor won’t be helping his nation for their big friendly match against Portugal on June 5 and Scotland on June 8. 

It seems like the Finnish star is interested in fulfilling his boss’s wish to serve well in the absence of Lionel Messi. Earlier, following a narrow win against DC United, Martino addressed Miami’s strategy to cope without their star skipper, saying, “We are going to suffer during the Copa América, but we have to know how to suffer. Leo Campana’s goal will give him confidence. Players like him and Robert Taylor will be fundamental in this period.”

Perhaps this might have inspired Taylor to give Martino a shoulder to lean on. But it’s still worth questioning whether it was the player’s decision or if he did so due to indirect pressure from the coach’s comments. Either way, it’s commendable of him to be at his side’s service in Messi’s absence. That said, how long can we expect the former Barcelona man to be out of action for Miami?

How long is Inter Miami set to be without Lionel Messi?

The next few weeks are the last opportunity for fans to see Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami before he departs for Copa America. The 36-year-old will be competing in the tournament from June 20 to July 20. Before the CONMEBOL event, Argentina has scheduled international friendlies against Ecuador on June 10 and Guatemala on June 14. 

Therefore, Messi’s final domestic appearances will be in the upcoming games against Vancouver, Atlanta United, and St. Louis. Following this, he will miss matches against Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Cincinnati from June 16 to July 7. Notably, Messi’s return will depend on how long Argentina remains in the tournament.

Either way, Inter Miami faces a significant period without him. It remains to be seen if Robert Taylor’s decision to stay with the team will prove beneficial during Messi’s absence.