Inter Miami Injury Update: Lionel Messi & Co. Dealt Huge Blow as New Signing Federico Redondo Ruled Out for 8 Weeks

The situation is going from bad to worse for Inter Miami. With their lofty ambitions in the MLS, Lionel Messi and Co. continue to face significant hurdles, particularly in terms of injury. In a major setback, their recent recruit, Federico Redondo, has been sidelined for an extended period of up to 8 weeks after suffering an injury to his left lateral collateral ligament (LCL), known as the knee injury.

The news came just moments ago through the Inter Miami communications department. Sadly, the knock he has sustained is quite extensive. The 21-year-old will miss the whole of April and May, making a return somewhere at the beginning of June. Notably, having arrived at Fort Lauderdale in late February, the youngster had made just two appearances each in both the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League. The match he played was against DC United, where he helped set up Leonardo Campana’s opening goal during Miami’s 1-3 comeback. 

The Argentinian youngster joins the likes of Ian Fray, Facundo Farías, Benjamin Cremaschi, Robbie Robinson, and Nicolás Freire in Miami’s recovery room, as they nurse their long-term injuries. Notably, Redondo reportedly arrived injured from Argentinos Juniors, limiting his participation to just four matches thus far. Nonetheless, his latest injury poses a significant setback for Miami. Tata Martino is expected to rely on Sergio Busquets, Diego Gómez, Julian Gressel, and fellow homegrown talent David Ruiz in Redondo’s absence. However, the concerns for Miami don’t end here. 

The David Beckham-owned club is still grappling with the absence of star player Lionel Messi. Speaking of which, what’s the update on the Argentinian superstar’s return? 

When will Lionel Messi return to action for Inter Miami? 

Miami Herald journalist Michelle Kaufman reported yesterday that Lionel Messi remains absent from the team’s training sessions. The 36-year-old was observed engaging in recovery sessions in the gym. La Pulga has been sidelined since the CONCACAF Champions League RO16 Leg 2 against Nashville, nursing a right hamstring injury. In fact, there’s a possibility he may be unavailable for Sunday’s MLS fixture against New York City.

Esteemed reporter Gaston Edul previously stated that the No. 10 is targeting a return during the upcoming midweek CONCACAF Champions League fixture instead. Messi’s decision to delay his comeback allows for a more thorough recuperation period, with both Miami and Messi prioritizing a cautious approach to his recovery from injury. Moreover, the Champions League match presents a formidable challenge for the Herons, given that it is being hosted at home.

Nevertheless, while fingers are crossed for Messi’s quick return, let’s see how Martino and Co. handle the absence of Federico Redondo.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi Speaks Out on Not Being Bothered by Criticism Amid Inter Miami’s Ongoing Struggles