Is Lionel Messi Injured? Why Isn’t He Playing for Inter Miami vs New York City Despite Training

It is just a matter of time until Inter Miami takes on New York City for their MLS clash. The Herons will look to bounce back from their previous 4-0 thrashing against the New York Red Bulls. However, the absence of star player Lionel Messi has somewhat marred the anticipation of the match. That said, what’s the real reason he is missing the MLS clash? Does it indicate that he still hasn’t recovered from his injury? 

To be precise, La Pulga is still recovering from his right hamstring injury. The Argentinian superstar was not fit to play in the upcoming match, forcing Tata Martino and Co. to face the away side at the Chase Stadium without their skipper. Earlier, the club also issued an official confirmation regarding Messi’s availability, stating the 36-year-old will return soon but requires sufficient rest to prevent worsening his injury. Notably, he hasn’t been in action since the CONCACAF Champions League RO16 Leg 2 against Nashville. Let’s hope Miami can bring him back in time, as they are already dealing with a lot of setbacks. 

Yesterday, the Florida-based club provided a disheartening update regarding their recent signing, Federico Redondo. He will be out for up to 8 weeks due to a left lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, commonly known as a knee injury. Unfortunately, this injury will keep the 21-year-old sidelined for all of April and May, with a potential return in early June. Additionally, Ian Fray, Facundo Farías, Benjamin Cremaschi, Robbie Robinson, and Nicolás Freire are still recovering from long-term injuries in Miami’s treatment room. But circling back to Messi, when will he make a return?

When to expect Lionel Messi back in action for Inter Miami? 

Fans can expect to see Lionel Messi back in action soon, as reports suggest Inter Miami intends to reintegrate him into the team as early as the first week of May. The team is gearing up to face Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals and hopes to have their captain back on the field for this crucial match.

The management’s decision to rest Messi against New York City will provide him with a more comprehensive recovery period, with both Miami and Messi emphasizing a cautious approach to injury recovery. Additionally, given the importance of the Champions League match, Messi’s participation would be much appreciated.

Nevertheless, time will tell when the 8x Ballon d’Or winner will make a return to grace the pitch. Let’s hope Inter Miami is able to survive this clash in Lionel Messi’s absence. 

READ MORE: Will Neymar Attend Inter Miami vs New York City Match? David Beckham’s Recent Interaction Provides Major Hint