Lionel Messi has recently taken center stage ever since he has been out of action for Inter Miami. The injury to the Argentinian superstar has become the talk of the town, with the soccer community questioning his return to the pitch. Amidst the hunt to find the answer, Messi’s ‘Non-Negotiable’ decision has been revealed by Tata Martino as he insists even the club is aware of it. Interestingly, it is in connection to the Argentine national team.
It has been weeks since Lionel Messi graced the soccer pitch. His absence is affecting the Herons as their MLS playoffs hope hangs in the balance after losing the US Open Cup final.
Tata Martino reveals Lionel Messi’s non-negotiable decision
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lionel Messi picked an injury while playing Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier match against Ecuador and the injury eventually got aggravated during Toronto’s game. The World Cup winner is still injured, and Inter Miami is grappling with how to proceed in bringing him back into action. Now, the Herons’ boss Tata Martino has revealed Messi’s priority.
Speaking in an interview at Miami’s training complex, Tata Martino insists Lionel Messi can’t sacrifice his national calls. He said, “Messi’s commitment to the national team is non-negotiable and we know and the club is aware of that. So far, we have received 12 call-ups for our international players for the upcoming break.” Apparently, La Pulga’s devotion to La Albiceleste is inalienable, and everyone is aware.
Tato Martino also stressed that for the upcoming international break, Miami has received more than ten call-ups. Indeed, it is quite an eyebrow-raising revelation from the former River Plate manager. Further, this also suggests that Lionel Messi may not play a single game for Miami now but could be available to play for Argentina.
Tata Martino: "El compromiso de Lio con la Selección está fuera de discusión"
Inter Miami recibió 12 convocatorias para la próxima fecha FIFA.#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/Sddp9cu1vy
— José Armando (@Jarm21) October 3, 2023
As of now, there’s no update on his return to action. But certainly, without his presence, David Beckham‘s soccer franchise is struggling quite a bit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Inter Miami continues to suffer without Lionel Messi
The past few weeks in Messi’s absence have been quite tough on Miami. After winning 4-0 against Toronto, they haven’t won their next three matches. While they lost the finals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo, two MLS fixtures concluded in a hard-fought draw against Orlando and New York City respectively.
Certainly, this brings a cloud of uncertainty over their qualifications for the MLS playoffs. Tomorrow, they will be playing against Chicago, and Lionel Messi is again expected to miss the clash. After this, just three games remain to be played. All these fixtures are crucial to decide Inter Miami’s fate to qualify for the playoffs. It remains to be seen how they manage to deal with this challenge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams