Lionel Messi’s playing time for the rest of 2023 is coming to a close.
The Argentine has had a busy year after playing in over 40 matches for Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Messi signed with the Major League Soccer team this summer, where he led the Herons to their first title in club history with a Leagues Cup win. The 36-year-old ended the season for the men in pink, racking up 14 G/A in all competitions.
Inter Miami will end the year by taking on NYCFC on November 10th in a celebratory night named “Noche d’Or,” where the organization will honor Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win.
The festivities will kick off at 6:00 PM EST, with the match starting two hours later at 8:00. The game will also be available to watch on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. After that, the World Cup winner won’t lace up his boots again for Inter Miami until January 10th, according to head coach Tata Martino.
Messi’s next games after Inter Miami’s ‘Noche d’Or’
Conversely, though Messi may be done playing for Miami this year, he’ll still have two games left for Argentina.
The November FIFA international window will give Inter Miami and Messi fans a last chance to watch him before 2023 ends.
Argentina will take on Uruguay and Brazil in their World Cup qualifiers on November 16th and 21st.
La Albiceleste currently sits atop CONMEBOL’s standings with 12 points through four matches.
Messi will undoubtedly want to keep Argentina’s lead at the top, and will probably push to play a full 90 minutes in both matches.
All in all, the Argentine’s magical 2023 is coming to an end. Though supporters will miss Messi’s presence on the field, if 2024‘s jam-packed schedule is any indication, they’ll have plenty more opportunities to see the greatest player of all time in action.