International Duty

International Duty: October International Window Roundup

Messi

The October FIFA international window saw seven Inter Miami CF players represent the Club abroad, joining their respective national teams for World Cup qualifiers, Concacaf Nations League, UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, friendlies and Olympic training camp. Additionally, one Inter Miami CF II player participated in an Olympic training camp featuring a pair of friendlies. 

Let’s take a look at how our players wrapped up their international performances.

Lionel Messi - Argentina

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi and Argentina continued the team’s winning run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. First, the attacker came on as a substitute in the 53rd minute and helped maintain the 1-0 scoreline over Paraguay at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday, Oct. 12. In the second fixture of this FIFA window, Messi led the way in the 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday, Oct. 17, playing the full 90 minutes and registering two jaw-dropping goals in the 32nd and 42nd minutes. Notably, with his brace Messi achieved yet another historic record, as he became the top goalscorer in Conmebol World Cup qualifiers history with 31.

Facundo Farías - Argentina U-23

Attacker Facundo Farías was called up to represent the Argentina U-23 Men’s National Team in two friendly fixtures against Venezuela’s U-23 team as part of the team’s preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Farías played in one of the matches, appearing as a starter on Saturday, Oct. 14, and helping Argentina secure a 1-1 draw.

Josef Martínez - Venezuela

Striker Josef Martínez was called up to represent the Venezuelan in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Martínez was an unused sub in the team’s first matchup against Brazil on Oct. 12, where Venezuela scored a beautiful chilena equalizer late in the match to secure a 1-1 at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil. In their second fixture on Oct. 17, he came on in the 87th minute for La Vinotinto to help the team come away with a tremendous 3-0 victory over Chile on home soil.

Robert Taylor - Finland

Versatile attacker Robert Taylor was called up to represent the Finland National Team for its 2024 UEFA Euro qualifiers. He was an unused substitute in the team’s 3-0 loss to Slovenia on the road on Oct. 14. Then, in the team’s second match on Oct. 17, Taylor was part of the starting XI against Kazakhstan and scored a spectacular free kick goal in the 28th minute to open the scoring; however, the team fell 1-2.

Edison Azcona - Dominican Republic

Inter Miami attacker Edison Azcona received a call-up to join the Dominican Republic national team for its Concacaf Nations League fixtures. Azcona started in the team's first Concacaf Nations League match this international window, which resulted in an outstanding 0-5 victory over Barbados away from home on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Azcona was then unavailable for selection in the team’s subsequent 5-2 win against Barbados on Oct. 16 at Estadio Polideportivo in Moca, Dominican Republic due to yellow card accumulation.

Israel Boatwright - Dominican Republic U-23

Inter Miami CF II defender Israel Boatwright was called up to represent the Dominican Republic's U-23 National Team in their friendly matches in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the first fixture against Iraq on Oct. 14, the defender started and played 73 minutes, but unfortunately, the team experienced a 3-1 loss. Boatwright also started in the team’s second international friendly against Morocco, playing the first half. However, the team was again unable to secure a victory, resulting in another 3-1 defeat.

Benjamín Cremaschi - USA U-23

Midfielder Benjamín Cremaschi was selected to represent the U.S. Men's Olympic Team at the team’s domestic training camp held in Phoenix, Ariz. in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the team’s first game against Mexico on Oct. 11, he made an appearance as a substitute, coming on in the 60th minute and contributing to his team's 2-1 victory. In the subsequent international friendly on Oct. 18, Cremaschi secured a starting position against Japan. The midfielder played over 60 minutes and played a crucial role in the team’s impressive 4-1 victory at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, including registering a secondary assist on the first goal.

Kamal Miller - Canada

Defender Kamal Miller was named in the starting lineup for the Canadian national team in an international friendly match against Japan on Oct. 13. He played the entire game, but despite the team’s best efforts, Canada was unable to secure a victory, ultimately suffering a 4-1 loss in the match held at the Stadium Big Swan in Niigata, Japan.