Lionel Messi has been absent for Miami, with the player yet to make a full appearance for over a month. The Argentine, however, looks to get back to his old shape after recovering from injury. With Inter Miami set to play their last MLS game against Charlotte this season, a former USMNT star has demanded Messi play for his side to uphold sporting integrity.

La Pulga has a packed schedule despite being eliminated from the MLS. The player will play his part for Inter Miami, as they travel across the ocean to tour China in the coming weeks. Following the tour, the Argentine is expected to be available for his national team for two crucial fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers.

USMNT icon demands Lionel Messi feature for Inter Miami’s last game

Former USMNT icon Janusz Michallik was stern with his words when discussing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. La Pulga was in action in Argentina’s last game where he found the back of the net twice to guide his team to a win. Talking to ESPN, Michallik commented that Messi owed it to the fans and should be present for Inter Miami’s last league game.

He said, “I think sporting integrity is very important. I think there will be five or six teams that are vying for that one playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. We’ve seen Lionel Messi is healthy, he scored two wonderful goals against Peru and this weekend on decision day I fully expect him to be a part of Inter Miami. Now how much he plays we’ll see, but I think the sporting integrity is very important.”

The former soccer player then added that a lot of Charlotte fans would have bought tickets just to see Messi in action. “Charlotte, I think probably will be okay if he didn’t play. They just played them and it was 2-2 without him. I think the rest of the league should see him. Charlotte has a wonderful crowd. I’m sure a lot of them bought tickets to see him as well.”

While Lionel Messi does not owe it to anyone to be present at Miami’s last game, fans will elated to see him in action in the league for the last time this season. La Pulga has a busy schedule ahead of himself despite being knocked out from the MLS. Talking about Messi’s busy schedule, Janusz commented on Inter Miami’s plans for the rest of the season.

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Janusz Michallik comments on Messi’s schedule before vacation

The USMNT expressed that he believes La Pulga would want to be in his best shape before Albiceleste’s set of games against Uruguay and Brazil.

“Before he goes to Qualifiers [with Argentina] I think he’s going with Inter Miami to China. I think they would want to capitalize on the fact that Lionel Messi is there,” said the former player.

He added, “I know there are games on the 5th and the 8th but I’d imagine he’d go there [China]. He needs to stay fit for those games.  He should play for Inter Miami this weekend, in my opinion. Then there are massive games with Uruguay at home and Brazil away. Before that vacation, in my opinion, he should have a full game.”

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With Messi back to full fitness, Argentina will hope to get past  Uruguay and Brazil in their upcoming set of fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers.