Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are set to be absent for Inter Miami CF’s matches against Chicago Fire FC on July 22 and CF Montreal on July 25, according to ESPN’s source-based report. The pair are taking time away after Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.
The reported break follows a heavy tournament workload, particularly for Messi, who started all eight Argentina matches and played the full 120 minutes in the final defeat to Spain. ESPN also reported that Miami has informed MLS the two players will not be available for the July 29 MLS All-Star game.
The length of their absence has not been confirmed. The context matters: FIFPRO has pushed for a 21-day end-of-season rest period, and FIFA has acknowledged consensus around player recovery standards, including minimum rest between matches and longer holidays after demanding schedules.
For Inter Miami, the short-term question is how to manage important league fixtures without two high-profile Argentina internationals. For the wider game, the case adds another example to the ongoing debate over player workload after expanded international and club calendars.
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