Inter Miami’s recent form has been nothing short of incredible. After a preseason with just one win, they have been undefeated in the regular campaign. But, how will Inter Miami fare without the joint-top scorer in the league? The upcoming clash against CF Montreal might have just gotten harder as a worrying Lionel Messi update has emerged. Unfortunately for the Herons, he might not be the only player whose participation is in doubt.
As per the player availability report on MLSSoccer, Lionel Messi is nursing a foot injury that terms the Inter Miami captain’s participation against Montreal as ‘questionable‘. Perhaps, the 36-year-old is still feeling the effects of the brutal tackle from the Nashville game. The playmaker was attempting to press a defender but the clearance caught his leg on the flesh. The contact looked like one that could end careers, but Messi luckily got back up quickly.
Also, adding fuel to the fire regarding his fitness condition, neither Lionel Messi nor Luis Suarez were spotted in group training. They were inside doing gym work. While there’s been no official update on the Uruguayan, his absence is surprising, considering he had no injury worries. Furthermore, Robbie Robinson is also out following a medical evaluation. However, this is just the start of the David Beckham-led club’s injury list.
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Other unavailabilities are long-term absentees, namely Facundo Farias, Ian Fray, and Franco Negri, who are out because of an ACL tear. Benjamin Cremaschi is also sidelined after suffering a sports hernia. But, there is also good news. Veteran full-back Jordi Alba, who was ill during the previous match, was back in training and will likely return to the starting XI. Alba is not the only one who looks set to return as Leonardo Campana has also resumed training following the knock he suffered previously.
The Lionel Messi news is undoubtedly a big concern for the Miami faithful. After all, Tata Martino had previously stated that the Argentine star was ‘fine’ from the nasty challenge he suffered on the shin. This has raised another question.
Did Lionel Messi aggravate his injury?
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Following the Nashville game, Tata Martino offered an encouraging update regarding his captain. Martino said, “Leo Messi finished the game well. He had fatigue in the later ones, but everything is fine.” However, it doesn’t seem the case right now. Assistant coach Javi Morales said recently, “Lionel Messi’s participation in the Montreal match has not been confirmed. We will have a conversation with him to find out how he feels and whether he is ready to play.”
Moreover, even if Lionel Messi feels himself ready, the Inter Miami staff might not want to take a risk on him. Per Javi Morales, “Luis Suarez, Messi, and all the players who were playing a lot of minutes, we will start rotating them so they can continue playing.” Hence, all the fans watching the match to catch the 8x Ballon d’Or winner in action might need to keep their expectations lower.
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Can Inter Miami triumph over CF Montreal without Lionel Messi? Let us know below.