Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami has started their season off on a positive note. The team has done a good job so far maintaining their position in the top half of the MLS standings while booking a ticket to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. However, their success could be a short-lived story as the team has been hit with a massive injury crisis just days before the international break.
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has some big issues at hand with some of the team’s top stars sitting on the sidelines. Skipper Lionel Messi picked up a knock earlier this month against Nashville and was absent from the team traveling to Washington against DC United. Meanwhile, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez were also given a rest from the starting eleven to manage their workload. However, the team did sub in Suarez in the second half with the striker bagging a brace to help his team bag the win.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles against the Nashville SC during the second half at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Apart from the ex-Barcelona icons, the team is without the services of Benjamin Cremaschi and Facundo Farias, with the two out with extended injuries. The team’s defense has also taken a big hit with Ian Fray and Franco Negri already on the sidelines. The game against DC United saw Nicolás Freire also taken off the field after he picked up a hamstring injury.
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Inter Miami provide an update on Lionel Messi
Inter Miami’s assistant coach provided an update on Lionel Messi’s status before their game against DC United. Martino’s assistant stated, “Following further medical evaluation, it has been determined that the captain has suffered a minor injury to the hamstring in his right leg and is expected not to participate in the away match on March 16. Messi’s availability will be determined based on daily medical evaluations and the development of his recovery in the coming days.”
READ MORE: With Lionel Messi Missing, Top Inter Miami Star Forced Off Due to Hamstring Problem vs D.C United
With the team currently suffering some big injury issues, fans will hope that things can get resolved during the international break. Inter Miami has done a great job maintaining their position at the top of the league standings and will hope that the skipper can make his return to action in their coming games.
