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Lionel Messi is set to miss at least SEVEN games for Inter Miami next season, it has been emerged.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 11 times in 14 games for Inter Miami after joining a free last season, leading them to the Leagues Cup.

However, he actually only featured six times in the MLS due to injuries and we already know that Messi will be absent for a number of fixtures next term.

There are a total of 34 regular season fixtures for Gerardo Martino’s side, starting with the opener against Real Salt Lake on February 21.

It will be Messi’s first full season across the pond but he will have commitments with the Argentina national team.

Although he finally got his hands on the World Cup in December 2022, Messi stayed on as Argentina captain and wants to achieve further success with La Albiceleste.

Image: Getty

He is desperate to lift the Copa America trophy yet again and that kicks off on 21 June, with holders Argentina participating in the curtain-raiser.

Providing how Argentina perform, Messi could end up missing games against Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Nashville, Charlotte, and FC Cincinnati between June 15 and July 6.

The tournament is being held across the United States and the hosts have been invited to take part, along with Mexico, Jamaica, Panama and two further CONCACAF countries.

It could mean that plenty of players are absent from the MLS, though there is no bigger blow than not having Messi present.

Image: Getty

There’s also expected to be friendly games for Argentina in the March 2024 international break, meaning he is likely to be unavailable for the game DC United on March 16 and a clash with New York Red Bulls on March 23.

The situation could be the same with new signing Luis Suarez, who has not yet hung up his boots with Uruguay.