Lionel Messi Under Scrutiny for Sacrificing Inter Miami Games for Copa America Prep After Missing 4 Consecutive Matches

Inter Miami had started this year’s MLS run as the top-seeded team in the East. Apart from the two losses, the Herons have risen to the top rankings in the league table. Notably, these losses came in Lionel Messi‘s absence. Messi has been missing four straight MLS games for Inter Miami since he injured his leg in a CONCACAF tie against Nashville SC. While Messi’s physical concerns persist, former MLS star turned pundit Ale Moreno believes the former is probably resting and recuperating for Argentina’s upcoming Copa America matches.

Lionel Messi’s prolonged absence from Inter Miami games was a talking point in the recent ESPN FC Futbol Americas episode. “Maybe he is taking care of himself, looking ahead to Copa America. What does that mean for Inter Miami? I imagine that what that means is that if he has to sacrifice a game, it has to be an Inter Miami game. It wouldn’t be an Argentina game in Copa America,” said Ale Moreno.

Argentina will kick-start the Copa America action only after June 20. So, it is hard to see Lionel Messi skipping Miami games two months before the tournament.

Anyhow, we cannot overlook the detrimental impact Messi’s absence has been having on Inter Miami on and off the field. As pointed out by Moreno’s co-host Sebastian Salazar in the ESPN episode, fans leave in plenty when Tata Martino subs Leo Messi mid-game. Then imagine the drop in attendance the Herons have glimpsed because of La Pulga’s no-show. Per earlier updates, the 8x Ballon d’Or winner was set to resume action in Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup tie versus Monterrey. However, Martino’s latest update on the Herons’ skipper is not giving any relief.

What Martino said about Lionel Messi’s availability against Monterrey

“Tomorrow we will define whether he plays, we will define what is best for Leo, we will not risk Messi,” said Tata Martino, referring to the Monterrey game. Simply meaning, Lionel Messi’s return would only be a game-time decision for the Herons camp. Furthermore, Martino stressed that it is only April, implying he might rest Messi for the fifth straight game.

READ MORE: Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality.

Notably, the last time Martino gave such a cryptic update, Messi did not start for the Florida powerhouse. However, it won’t be beyond the Herons’ camp to bring back the Argentine because this is a quarter-final clash we are speaking about.

Moreover, Messi missing matches could also be detrimental to Miami’s ticket sales, as they are hosting the Liga MX side in tomorrow’s game. Do you think Messi will start? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Presence Alters ‘Atmosphere’ and ‘Referee’ Dynamics, Claims Monterrey Star Ahead of CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash