The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient reмɑins a pivotal figure at Chase Stadium and holds the spotlight in MLS, yet at 36 years old, he is starting to contend with minor injuries that he had previously managed to evade throughout his illustrious career.

Messi sat out Inter Miami’s latest MLS fixture through ιnjᴜry, but they were still able to claim a 3-1 victory away at D.C. United. USMNT star Gressel told reporters after that game: “This was a big one. Short rest, tough week, tough two weeks. Not an easy game, obviously, midweek and then to have to travel on a short rest in this league is not easy. And to come here after going down 1-0 as well, and being able to fιɡҺt back and ultimately play really well, I thought, after the first 15-20 minutes, to come away with the win and get the three points without Leo is something that I think we can take a lot from.

“There’s going to be stretches where there’s guys at national teams, where we play through those moments, where Olympics are coming up, Copa America – those types of things where we know or we’ve known that we have to rely on the whole squad.”

Campana, who found the net in the victory against D.C. United where Luis Suarez also scored twice, emphasized the necessity for other players to step up in Messi’s absence, stating, “We understand Leo’s significance to the team, his role, and the symbolism he embodies for us. We can’t always rely solely on him, so we must take on greater responsibility. Lucho [Suarez] is undoubtedly a top-tier player, evident in his performances in league matches – scoring goals and relishing in what he excels at. It brings me joy to witness him scoring and enjoying his time here alongside Messi, his companions, and to know that he is content.”

Inter Miami currently leads the MLS Eastern Conference, having secured 10 points from five matches. They aim to support Messi’s recovery to ensure he returns to full fitness before facing their New York гιᴠals in consecutive matches. The South American superstar is unlikely to join his national team for international duty during this period.