Giving fans a glimmer of hope, Lionel Messi resumed MLS action with Inter Miami today against the Colorado Rapids. And his return was one for the books. He scored a goal in the 57th minute, just moments after he came off the bench. Earlier, it was guaranteed that Leo Messi would start and play the maximum time against Monterrey in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals. However, even after Messi resumed action, Miami coach Tata Martino is still dubious about his availability for the Monterrey clash.

“We want Messi to start vs. Monterrey but we’ll see how he feels,” said Tata Martino in a post-game presser. Anyhow, Martino dropped yet another hint on Messi, which would give the Herons fans a breather. “We knew it was dangerous for Messi to play against Monterrey in the first leg, we wanted him to play a few minutes tonight and this will help him arrive with more confidence next week against Monterrey in the second leg,” the Inter Miami head coach added. It is a hamstring injury that Messi picked up in March during a CONCACAF tie against Nashville that is fuelling his injury woes.

Martino’s cryptic comments on Lionel Messi’s availability are no surprise. The Miami entourage has consistently been cautious about risking Messi because of injury woes. Before the first-leg clash against Monterrey, Martino told the press that it is only April, implying it is too early to risk the Argentine. Notably, Miami extensively depended on a fatigued Leo Messi last season and eventually, he had to sit out while the team crashed out without seeing the playoffs. Anyhow, as far as the Herons are concerned, it is paramount that the 8x-Ballon d’Or winner laces up for them. He proved it today, and a busy schedule now awaits the Miami side. 

Crucial clashes await Inter Miami and they need Lionel Messi

Inter Miami has won only once in the five games that Lionel Messi did not start. They settled for three grand losses and a disheartening draw in the 2022 World Champion’s absence. In today’s clash against Colorado, the South Florida-based outfit was again playing a losing game. But that was until Messi stepped in. He equalized in moments after coming off the bench. Three minutes later, Miami secured a lead off Leonardo Alfonso’s strike. However, the David Beckham-co-owned side eventually blew the lead at death and settled for a draw.

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Had Lionel Messi not started, even the Colorado clash would have ended in a loss for the Herons. Now, the Miami side awaits four major matches this month. They head next to Mexico to face Monterrey in the second leg of the CONCACAF tournament’s QF. La Pulga and Co. are already trailing the Mexican side. If his absence mars Inter Miami once again, Martino can kiss the CONCACAF Cup goodbye. Thereafter, Miami plays three games in the MLS. A win is paramount in those games for Miami to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Only La Pulga’s presence will guarantee such a winning form.

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