Lionel Messi appears set to overlook Inter Miami's subsequent MLS recreation towards Atlanta United, per social media content material posted by the participant. The group captain shared an Instagram story displaying him opening a pizza field from a Miami-based restaurant the day earlier than their street recreation.

Messi, 36, has been on worldwide responsibility with Argentina during the last fortnight and returned to the United States earlier this week. While in South America for the nationwide group's 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he missed final weekend's 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.

Leonardo Campana and Facundo Farias stepped up in his absence. The forwards between them scored all three objectives as they got here from behind to win.

It now appears they might want to increase their video games once more, as Messi seems set to overlook a second straight recreation. What is for certain is he was not with the group Friday evening in Atlanta, judging by his social media posts.

"Gracias," Messi captioned a video of him opening a Banchero Miami pizza. Inside, his order has sliced tomatoes, inexperienced olives, sliced onions and what seems to be pesto as toppings.

While his meals was as wholesome a pizza as you'll ever see, it doesn't appear probably that's the kind of meal Messi eats the evening earlier than a recreation. Therefore, Inter Miami could also be with out their talisman once more at Atlanta.

Hopes about his involvement within the recreation had been raised earlier Friday after working towards with the group. Speaking this summer season, he was additionally unwilling to rule out the potential of enjoying on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium's turf floor.

However, it seems Messi is not going to be out there this weekend. Head coach Tata Martino had warned that was a risk when talking with reporters Friday. "We will be careful with him because we have a lot of important games in a short span," the Inter Miami coach mentioned.

"This is something that we knew would happen at some point, but that he would begin to get used to our needs, especially for seasons like this with a lot of matches. Playing each match, 90 minutes each game, two to three days with travel in between would get difficult."

Messi was additionally displaying indicators of some fatigue whereas representing Argentina. The country's captain was uncharacteristically substituted ten minutes after scoring the only goal of their qualifier against Ecuador.