Messi will travel thousands of kilometres over the next weeks, with huge trips scheduled for both club and country.
Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Oct 16th, 2023 12:06 EDT
AGUSTIN MARCARIANREUTERS
Messi remains as the single huge doubt for the Argentina National Team ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier game against Peru, with the fitness of the forward still causing concern for fans the world over. Despite the doubt surrounding his physical state, the media in Argentina have confirmed that the player has travelled with the team and could even see minutes against their continental opponents.
An injury to Messi’s right hamstring is what is causing his national side to take the utmost care of their captain. He has been on the sidelines for the final run of games for Inter Miami, his club side, who missed out on the postseason in MLS, something that does not concern his national team in the slightest, they only want to see a fit and happy Messi.
China Bound ✈️🇨🇳This November we will embark on our first-ever international tour to China, seeking to expand our reach in new territory and begin preparations for 2024!Find out all the details: https://t.co/BKSU9F19LL pic.twitter.com/5fH089htih
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 15, 2023
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“As far as the national team are concerned, he is going to be training until the next FIFA date. Being selfish, it isn’t bad for us”, were the words from Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni when asked about the ex-barça forward.
However, Miami changed the plans and confirmed a sensationally lucrative international tour, one that drastically changes Messi’s schedule. The holiday season will have to wait for the World Champion, who will now take part in two friendly games in China.
According to Olé, Messi will have to carry out a journey of roughly 45,000km between October 16, when Argentina travel to Peru, and November 12.
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Messi returned against Cincinnati but was only able to participate as a second-half substitute.Sam NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
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After the game in Lima, the Argentine will have to return to Miami in order to report back to Tata Martino ahead of the two remaining MLS games of the season, both against Charlotte. After these two games, Messi will have a 2-week rest period before his side pack their bags for the far-east, timed as such so that their bodies do not get used to not having any game time.
