)
Argentine internationals Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are set to miss Inter Miami's next two Major League Soccer (MLS) matches after their World Cup final loss over the weekend, ESPN reports.
Both players featured in all eight of the "Gauchos'" World Cup fixtures, with Messi playing through extra time in the trophy decider. According to reports, the Argentinians were also scheduled to participate in the MLS All-Star Game on July 29th, but will now miss the encounter. In this match, the MLS's top squad will face off against the best from the Mexican elite league.
Last year, Messi also skipped the All-Star Game, but without seeking permission, which resulted in a suspension for Inter Miami's subsequent regular-season match. This time, however, the Florida-based team has informed the league's management. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored 8 goals at the World Cup, finishing second in the scoring charts, only behind his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé. He also contributed 4 assists.
After 15 MLS matches, Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference with 31 points, trailing leaders Nashville by 5 points. The team's next two fixtures are against Chicago Fire on Wednesday and Montreal on Saturday.
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
&format=webp)