Argentina’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers was announced in September, and there is a noticeable absence from Lionel Scaloni’s team. Lionel Messi’s name is nowhere to be seen. Messi has not featured for Inter Miami since being dropped from the Copa America final in July Messi has been struggling with an ankle injury, and this absence shows just how serious it is. There is no specific timetable for his return to action, but after missing any of Miami’s League Cup games and now the playoffs, Messi may not see the field again until mid-September.

While it would be understandable if the 37-year-old wanted to play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico with Argentina, a series of leg injuries has raised concerns about whether he will actually be able to do so on his own terms. Since Messi signed with Miami in the summer of 2023, there has been a constant tension between playing for Miami as much as possible in MLS, with the extensive travel to matches, climates and stadiums, and being physically fit. Add to that the international breaks and flying around South America and that’s a lot for anyone to do, but especially someone with the miles Messi’s legs can rack up.

Last season, his first in Miami, he had to miss the U.S. Open Cup final and crucial games in the latter period that caused Inter Miami to miss the playoffs last season, and Messi is facing a similar predicament this season. Fortunately for him, coach Tata Martino has a much improved squad this season and it has shown in their performance without Messi. When Messi has not started in 14 MLS games, Miami has posted an 8-3-3 record with 24 goals scored and 24 conceded.

If Messi is going to the World Cup, he won’t be able to continue to be a starter for Miami as he tries to do so, which is where these numbers come in. The Herons have shown they can win without their star player, and they’ve shown incredible strength in recruiting other stars around Messi, and that should continue. As he enters the twilight of his career, Messi listening to his body and taking more rest days will be crucial.

It would be a shame to see a legend of the game unable to retire on his own terms, but if more injuries arise, that’s where things could end up with Messi. Leg injuries are some of the worst things a footballer can suffer and over the past few seasons he has missed significant time because of them. Continuing at this rate is unsustainable, so it will be important for Messi to figure out where his priorities lie. He can give his all to Inter Miami to lead them to glory, or take a back seat to extending his international career, but it doesn’t look like he will be able to do both.

There is no right decision to make here, but by making this one, Messi will be able to end his career on his own terms, which is what a legend of his stature deserves.