Isn’t Lionel Messi enjoying life at Inter Miami right now? He is! He’s having the time of his life in the United States. While his first few months at the club weren’t particularly impressive, his first full season is full of promises. It looks like Inter Miami may have put the pieces together and finally have a team to challenge for more trophies this season.
The Herons only ended up with the Leagues Cup last season, but they’re in line for three competitions this season. With so many matches to play, they will need Lionel Messi to be at his absolute best in terms of form and fitness. However, they may have to deal with their superstar playmaker in the next game, as the World Cup winner appeared to have suffered an injury in their last outing.
Lionel Messi likely to miss D.C. United match due to injury
Lionel Messi’s second season is going well, although a minor setback was suffered a few weeks ago. Until then, Inter Miami had been unbeaten in all competitions, starting the season with three wins and two draws and picking up the top spot in the Easter Conference standings in the MLS. Lionel Messi is back to his absolute best, and with Luis Suarez by his side, they look almost unstoppable together.
Both players were on the scoresheet again in the 3-1 win over Nashville in the second leg of their round of 16 CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Nashville. Sadly, Messi was substituted in the second half due to a suspected injury. Reports now suggest he may be unavailable for Saturday’s next MLS tie against DC United. This will come as a blow for the Herons, as they would have wished to have their talisman available for the tie.
Before his injury, Lionel Messi scored his team’s second goal in the 23rd minute, after the new signing, Luis Suarez, opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Their goals gave Inter Miami the security they needed in the second tie after securing a 2-1 victory away from home in the first leg. Robert Taylor made it three in the 63rd minute to put the tie to bed. Although Nashville pulled one back late in the game, it only proved to be a consolation.
What caused Lionel Messi’s leg injury?
Lionel Messi was hauled off in the Champions Cup game against Nashville in the 50th minute after suffering a suspected leg injury, which was later confirmed by manager Tata Martino, who explained that he only took Messi off that early as a precaution and also confirmed the Argentine suffered a mild leg injury.
“He’s overloaded in the right posterior,” the former Argentina manager said. “We tried to see if he could go further along, but it was bothering him, so we preferred to have him get out of the game,” the Inter Miami manager added. The coach further added that Messi will most likely be rested for the upcoming MLS game against DC United, as he wouldn’t want to risk any serious consequences.
Lionel Messi will be very busy this year. Besides his packed MLS schedule, Messi also has international obligations, particularly the Copa America, which is set to start this summer for the 2024 edition.
Messi could also represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympics after Mascherano confirmed the country had sent him an official invitation to participate in the tournament, although the World Cup winner will most likely turn it down.
