Sat Oct 04 22:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, has included Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul in the squad for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. However, their participation in the first friendly against Venezuela is uncertain due to a critical MLS game for Inter Miami against Atlanta United the following day. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano is being tight-lipped about their availability. Inter Miami is battling for playoff positioning and potentially the Supporters’ Shield, making the Atlanta game crucial.

**News Article:**

**Messi’s Argentina Friendly Appearance in Doubt Amid Crucial Inter Miami Match**

MIAMI, FL – Lionel Messi’s participation in Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela on October 10th is uncertain, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated match. Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni named Messi and Rodrigo De Paul to the 28-man squad for the friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. However, just one day later, Inter Miami, Messi’s club team, faces a pivotal MLS clash against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano remained noncommittal regarding Messi and De Paul’s availability for the Venezuela friendly. “It’s something we’re talking through right now, you’ll find out,” Mascherano stated on Friday, fueling speculation about the potential conflict.

The game against Atlanta United is of significant importance to Inter Miami. While the team has already secured a spot in the 2025 MLS playoffs, they are vying for a higher seed in the Eastern Conference to secure home-field advantage. The team is currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points and must win the three remaining league matches. Dependent upon match results, the club could also be fighting for the Supporters’ Shield during the match against Atlanta United on Oct. 11.

Argentina is scheduled to play Venezuela on October 10th in Miami and Puerto Rico on October 13th in Chicago. Fans eager to see Messi in action for his national team may have to wait until the Puerto Rico match if Inter Miami prioritizes his presence in the crucial MLS contest.

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