Major League Soccer is expected to make a schedule change regarding international breaks next season.
According to The Sporting News, MLS will vote on whether to stop play during FIFA International windows.
“Major League Soccer is expected to approve a schedule structure which will formulate the fixtures around international breaks for the first time in league history,” the Sporting News said.
“[It] which would necessitate the expansion of the schedule range to accommodate for the new no fly zones.”
Currently, MLS teams in the regular season play through the international window. If this rule modification comes into effect, players can join up with their national teams without fear of missing important matches.
Some believe that Lionel Messi’s arrival to the league is partly responsible for this rule change. The Argentine is still an important figure for his national team. What’s more, the 36-year-old has stated his intentions to give it his all for Inter Miami.
In order to avoid missing matches for the men in pink, MLS adhering to international rules would be the best way to see Messi in consistent action.
Messi and Inter Miami’s 2024 schedule
Messi is Inter Miami’s talisman.
The former Barcelona striker potentially missing out on games would be a detriment to Miami’s season. If MLS intends on changing the scheduling rules, then it would be a positive move for the league.
Oftentimes, clubs are without their best players due to FIFA-sanctioned windows. This possible rule change will be beneficial.
Inter Miami has big plans for 2024.
Not only do they have an offseason of roster moves on the horizon, but the rumors of Luis Suárez joining the team make the Herons one to watch in 2024.
Regardless if the league doesn’t make changes, one thing is clear, something must be done to give players the best opportunity to win trophies for their teams.