Inter Miami fans would love nothing more than to forget their latest outing. The MLS side was taken to the cleaners by Al Nassr, with Lionel Messi absent to lead his team from the front. According to reports, the Argentine would have played the game but was taken out at the last minute because of injury issues. Herons star Julian Gressel has now confirmed the reports stating La Pulga was not completely fit for the game, and the club did not want to risk aggravating his injury.
Messi’s absence played a tremendous role in Inter Miami’s performance last night. The side could not create any impact inside the attacking third, with Luis Suarez looking like a shell of his former self. Al Nassr had complete control over the game as the side ran riot over their opponents, bagging a 6-0 win.
Inter Miami star confirms injury to Lionel Messi
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Prominent soccer journalist Favian Renkel took to his official X handle to narrate his interaction with Julian Gressel. Based on Gressel’s words, while Lionel Messi was expected to play against Al Nassr, he had to be taken off the playing eleven, with the Herons unwilling to take the massive risk.
Julian Gressel confirms that Lionel Messi picked up a knock during the match against Al Hilal and informed the media that Messi attempted to complete training the day before the Al Nassr match.
Gressel also informed the media that Messi felt he could play today.
Gressel… pic.twitter.com/MnUny469dl
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) February 1, 2024
According to reports, Lionel Messi complained of pain in his biceps before he was taken off the team sheet. Despite keeping the player on the bench, Inter Miami decided against fielding the player, looking to keep him fresh for their coming games. The David Beckham-owned franchise will start its MLS campaign on the 22nd of February and hopes that La Pulga hits the ground running.
Miami had a rough night without Lionel Messi against Al Nassr as the side succumbed to a 6-0 defeat. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s unavailability, Al Nassr was all over their opponents in both halves, keeping the pressure on the Herons.
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Inter Miami looks to bounce back after crushing defeat
Lionel Messi’s men will have to look past their last game after the side was brutalized at Al Nassr’s hands. Brazilian star Talisca led the charge for his side as he found the back of the net thrice, while Otavio, Maran, and Aymeric Laporte scored one goal each. Miami was completely blown out of the game, with the side managing just three shots on target during the entire game.
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It will be interesting to see if Inter Miami has what it takes to bounce back from the shambolic defeat. The team will be in action this Sunday as they take on Hong Kong XI. Miami, following the fixture, will travel to Japan to take on Vissel Kobe on the 7th of February before returning to the United States.
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