In his inaugural full season with Inter Miami FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi faces the challenging prospect of missing up to seven crucial games.

The Argentine superstar's arrival on American soil marked a seismic shift in the football landscape, as fans across the nation eagerly embraced the legendary player who had previously graced the fields of Europe with Barcelona and PSG.

Lionel Messi's impact extended beyond the buzz surrounding his move; he made an indelible mark on the pitch, transforming a team that had struggled to accumulate points and trophies since its inception.

The culmination of his efforts resulted in a triumphant League Cup victory, marking a significant achievement for a franchise starved for success. Although he experienced a somewhat average run in the MLS.

As Inter Miami gears up for the upcoming season, there is a heightened sense of anticipation, fueled in part by the addition of Messi's former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez.

The dynamic duo's reunion has raised hopes for a title charge from the outset, injecting optimism into the club's aspirations for the upcoming campaign.

However, the road ahead presents challenges, as Messi's commitments to his beloved national team will see him absent for seven crucial matches.

His departure coincides with the ongoing MLS tournament, requiring him to join his La Albiceleste teammates for the international break and the highly anticipated 2024 Copa America.

Manager Gerard 'Tata' Martino faces the daunting task of strategizing and fielding a competitive side in Messi's absence, a scenario that proved challenging for the Herons in the previous season.

The absence of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner during critical junctures last season had a palpable impact on Inter Miami.

The team fell short in the race for the MLS playoffs and missed out on clinching the U.S. Open trophy after a defeat against the Houston Dynamo at the DRV PNK Stadium. As the 2024 season unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Inter Miami and its quest for success.

The narrative is now clear as the team faces the dual challenges of integrating new talent, led by Messi and Suarez, while also managing the temporary void left by Messi's international commitments.

The football world now awaits to witness how the Herons will navigate these challenges and whether they can script a compelling story of triumph in the upcoming MLS season.

The seven games Lionel Messi is expected to miss are below-

1. DC United (March 16)

2. NY Red Bulls (March 23)

3. Philadelphia (June 15)

4. Columbus (June 19)

5. Nashville (June 29)

6. Charlotte (July 3)

7. Cincinnati (July 6)