Inter Miami has had several players called up to their respective national teams ahead of the FIFA international October window.
Miami is in the midst of a tough playoff race, sitting five points out of ninth place. With Major League Soccer one of the few leagues around the world that don’t adhere to the international calendar, Inter Miami could be without eight players when the team takes on Charlotte FC on October 18th.
Kamal Miller, Lionel Messi, Diego Gomez, Facundo Farias, David Ruiz, and Josef Martinez have been called in by their national teams, with that list expected to grow as the week goes on.
This hasn’t been the first time Inter Miami has lost players during an international break.
September’s international window saw the call-ups of 10 Miami players, which forced head coach Tata Martino to field a slightly rotated side against Sporting KC on September 9th.
Inter Miami’s depleted roster
It has been a main point of frustration for MLS teams that their best players are often away from league play for at least two matches due to MLS refusing to obey the FIFA international window.
This will be a tough blow to an Inter Miami side that wants to make the postseason. Losing that many players during a playoff battle will be difficult for any team to overcome.
Inter Miami’s dependence on Messi to spearhead their attack could cost them in the long run, as well. Without the Argentine on the field, Miami often looks lost and lacks dynamism in the final third.
Ultimately, it will be up to manager Tata Martino to get the best out of his players during this crucial time for the club. If this trend persists into next season, and teams continue to lose their top players during the international window, then MLS should consider abiding by FIFA’s calendar instead of bucking the trend.