Overview
- Argentina named a 28-player roster featuring Lionel Messi for U.S. friendlies against Venezuela on Oct. 10 and Puerto Rico on Oct. 13, with first call-ups for Facundo Cambeses, Lautaro Rivero, and Aníbal Moreno.
- The fixture clash means Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami’s Oct. 11 game against Atlanta United, with coach Javier Mascherano saying Oct. 10 involvement is still being discussed.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez was included despite recent calf tightness reported during Aston Villa’s Europa League warm-up, with his fitness being monitored.
- Inter Miami beat New England 4-1 as Tadeo Allende and Jordi Alba each scored twice; Messi recorded three assists to reach 41 goal contributions this season, and Miami moved to third in the East.
- Mascherano rejected reports of a rift with Messi after their exchange in the Chicago match, calling it a tactical conversation.