Lionel Messi’s prolonged absence from Inter Miami’s matches due to an ongoing leg injury is causing growing concern among his teammates and fans.
The Argentine superstar missed his fourth game in the last five matches when he sat out the recent home game against New York City FC. Messi watched from the sidelines as Inter Miami initially struggled but managed to salvage a 1-1 draw in extra time thanks to a header by Argentine teenager Tomas ‘Toto’ Aviles.
His prolonged absence has fueled speculation about the severity of the injury. Caden DeLisa, a Florida education and healthcare journalist, tweeted that Messi had sustained a 2cm hamstring injury, effectively keeping him out for the remainder of the season.
Setback Strikes as Messi Suffers Injury on International Duty
According to DeLisa, the injury occurred during Messi’s international duty and was exacerbated during his appearance against Toronto.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Tata Martino, addressed these reports after the game. He emphasized the team’s cautious approach, stating, “We didn’t take a risk for a final, we won’t do it now.”
(Photo credit:Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Martino mentioned that Messi had been training separately from the group but showed signs of improvement in recent days. The decision on his availability for the upcoming game against Chicago would depend on his progress and consultation with the medical staff.
Martino acknowledged the absence of several key players, including Messi, Jordi Alba, and Diego Gomez, during a crucial part of the season. Despite settling for draws in recent matches against Orlando and NYCFC, Martino expressed pride in the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
Inter Miami now in 13th place, 4 points off playoff line
In a dramatic turn of events during the NYCFC game, Inter Miami managed to secure a point with Aviles’ late header. This last-minute goal provided a glimmer of hope for Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations. However, the team missed an opportunity to secure a much-needed victory when David Ruiz’s shot struck the crossbar just before the final whistle.
The draw against BYCFC left Inter Miami in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, four points away from the playoff line with only four games remaining. Their playoff hopes now hinge on winning their remaining matches and receiving assistance from other teams.
Since Messi’s injury, Inter Miami has struggled, winning only two matches out of six. The absence of their star player has been a significant setback for the team and its passionate fan base, many of whom donned Messi’s No. 10 jersey for the game.
Despite the setback, Tata Martino praised the team’s remarkable journey since he took charge in mid-July, transforming them from last place to playoff candidates. The upcoming game against the Chicago Fire is viewed as crucial in determining Inter Miami’s playoff fate, as the club navigates a challenging and hectic schedule.
