Lionel Messi Injury Update: Tata Martino Confirms Inter Miami Star’s Absence for NY Red Bulls Clash, Provides Health Status Report

Since Lionel Messi is nursing a hamstring injury, he sustained against Nashville, reports suggested that he could miss more Inter Miami games. Notably, Argentina’s NT even sidelined him for two friendlies in the US. Even so, the 36-year-old trained with the Miami squad, two days back, which fuelled a rumor that he has recovered. But Tata Martino confirmed he won’t play Messi against NY Red Bulls. He stated it would be ‘premature‘ to start the veteran.

In a presser before the Inter Miami-NY Red Bulls tie, Martino said, “Recovering. Yeah, it’s been a few days, he [Messi] goes out on the field. He is improving day by day so we are paying attention to his evolution”. Hearing the positive news, the reporter asked if he would start La Pulga today. “No, that is very premature. We still have to wait for at least next week,” the boss asserted. In the bigger picture, the veteran is part of the club’s long injury list.

Besides Lionel Messi, 8 other Inter Miami players would also miss the NY Red Bulls tie because of injuries, and national duty. Besides the recently injured stars, they’ve also ruled out Ian Fray and Facundo Farias for a prolonged period because of a cruciate ligament tear. Hence, in a season where they have started strongly, injuries seem to be the Herons’ major villain. Injuries rocking Messi’s run are a nightmare from last year for the Miami faithful. But in a surprising turn, both, Messi’s club and country have shown glimpses that his absence is not costing them severely.

Is Lionel Messi’s absence no longer detrimental?

Inter Miami bounced back in the MLS’ after beating D.C. United 1-3 last week. Lionel Messi did not start in the game as it came immediately after he sustained a knock in the Nashville tie. Unperturbed by Messi’s absence, his strike partners, Luis Suarez and Leonardo Campana found the net that night. Suarez scored a brace. Argentina also played the El Salvador friendly without Messi. But his absence was not felt, as the Albiceleste outplayed Salvador 3-0.

As either must, they seem to be learning to cope without the 36-year-old talisman. But for how long will they survive without Messi, especially Inter Miami? Miami met its fall and season exit when Lionel Messi was fatigued last season. This season, before he got injured, La Pulga was instrumental to Miami’s attack with 5 goals in 5 matches!

Miami’s only loss of the season came against Montreal when the #10 did not play. So it is far from safe to say they’ve moved past Messi. Anyhow, today’s outcome will be decisive as to how crucial the Argentine is for the Herons.

READ MORE: Sidelined With Injury, Lionel Messi Spotted Enjoying Excursion With Luis Suarez and Family Ahead of NY Red Bulls vs Inter Miami Clash