Despite missing Lionel Messi, Inter Miami moved within six points of the playoff positions in Major League Soccer (MLS) with a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
Messi was one of eight Inter Miami players away on international duty, but Gerardo "Tata" Martino's team showed their strength in depth as they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games.
Miami are now just six points behind Wayne Rooney's ninth-placed team D.C. United in the East and have two games in hand.
Leonardo Campana of Inter Miami CF scores a penalty during their MLS match against the Sporting Kansas City at DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale, U.S., September 9, 2023. /CFP
Argentina captain Messi could miss his team's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on September 12 due to fatigue.
The 36-year-old was substituted late in Argentina's 1-0 home victory over Ecuador on September 7 and underwent precautionary exams early on September 8, head coach Lionel Scaloni said.
While the results cleared Messi of any injury, Scaloni and his backroom staff are concerned by the forward's recent heavy workload, according to media reports in the South American country.
Lionel Messi (#10) of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul after their 1-0 victory over Ecuador during the the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 7, 2023. /CFP
Messi has played 12 games in the past 48 days, having barely rested since joining Inter Miami on a free transfer in mid-July.
Newspaper Ole reported that Scaloni is considering several changes to his starting lineup for the match on September 12 in the belief that younger players will better cope with La Paz's 3,600-meter altitude.
(With input from agencies)