Inter Miami CF will be significantly shorthanded when it faces Columbus Crew in an important MLS matchup on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with seven Inter Miami players expected to miss the match because of international duty.
The Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, and Miami’s depth could be tested with several players away representing their national teams.
Seven Inter Miami Players Expected to Miss Columbus Crew Match
Inter Miami has nine players called up for international duty during the September/October international window, but seven are expected to be unavailable for the Columbus match.
Those players are:
- Germán Berterame — Mexico
- Dayne St. Clair — Canada
- Matías Galarza — Paraguay
- Fricio Caicedo — Ecuador
- Lovend’s Delinois — Haiti
- Daniel Pinter — United States U-20
- Alexander Shaw — United States U-19
The absences affect multiple areas of Inter Miami’s squad and could force changes to the starting lineup and bench against Columbus.
Is Lionel Messi Playing vs. Columbus Crew?
The good news for Inter Miami is that Lionel Messi is expected to remain available against Columbus Crew.
Messi is among the Inter Miami players involved in the international window, but his Argentina commitment comes later. Argentina is scheduled to face Benin on October 6, meaning Messi is not expected to depart before Miami’s September 27 match against Columbus.
Unless an injury, suspension or late roster decision changes his status, Messi should therefore be available for the MLS fixture.
Is Rodrigo De Paul Playing vs. Columbus Crew?
Rodrigo De Paul is also expected to remain with Inter Miami for the Columbus Crew match before joining Argentina.
That means Miami could still have two of its most important Argentine stars available despite losing seven other players to international duty.
Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew Match Information
Match: Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami CF
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Competition: Major League Soccer
International-duty absences for Inter Miami: 7 expected
International Break Creates Major Depth Test for Inter Miami
Losing seven players simultaneously presents a significant roster challenge for Inter Miami. The club will need to rely more heavily on its remaining first-team players and potentially younger options to fill out the matchday squad.
The absence of Dayne St. Clair is particularly notable because it affects Miami’s goalkeeper situation, while the other call-ups reduce the club’s available depth across the field.
However, having Messi and De Paul available would give Inter Miami two major pieces to build around against Columbus.
How Many Inter Miami Players Are Missing vs. Columbus Crew?
As things currently stand, seven Inter Miami players are expected to miss the September 27 match against Columbus Crew specifically because of international duty.
Although nine Miami players received international call-ups during the window, Messi and De Paul are expected to remain with the club through the Columbus match before joining Argentina.
That leaves Inter Miami preparing for Columbus with a depleted roster—but potentially with Lionel Messi still leading the attack in one of Miami’s key late-season MLS fixtures.