Ruled Out With Injury, Lionel Messi Unfit For D.C. United Game, Confirms Assistant Coach

Just when it looked like Inter Miami was on a roll, the team came down crashing! Herons fans are in for a rude awakening ahead of their team’s clash against DC United, with skipper Lionel Messi, ruled out of the upcoming game. The Argentine reportedly picked up an injury during the team’s game against Nashville earlier this week and had to be taken off the field before full-time.

Inter Miami’s assistant head coach addressed the media ahead of the team’s game against DC United. According to Tata Martino‘s assistant, Lionel Messi will miss the game due to an unknown injury. The team management and medical staff are currently assessing the situation and will provide further details after the results.

He then informed the media about Messi yet to talk with the Argentine Football Federation over the international fixtures later this month. With a challenging string of fixtures ahead of Inter Miami, the team would hate to lose their talisman at such a crucial stage.

Lionel Messi has been the driving force behind Inter Miami’s success this season. The Argentine has started on a positive note re-uniting with ex-teammate Luis Suarez. The two have shrugged off their cobwebs from the pre-season tour and helped the side bag three wins and two draws from their six games so far this season. With everything working in their favor, Lionel Messi’s absence could leave the team at a major disadvantage, with the team’s only loss coming in their captain’s absence.

Inter Miami desperately need to work on their over-reliance on Lionel Messi

In what could be a bitter flashback for Inter Miami, the Herons could be without the services of Lionel Messi in the coming weeks. The side has done a great job with the Argentine at the helm. However, without him, the David Beckham-owned franchise looks like a completely different unit. The previous season saw Inter Miami drop the ball following the injury to Lionel Messi, with the team failing to make it to the MLS Playoffs after losing over ten fixtures in La Pulga’s absence.

READ MORE: Nashville Fans Attacked Lionel Messi With ‘Ronaldo’ Chants & What Happened Next Was Incredible

The DNV x PNK Stadium witnessed similar scenes earlier this week against Montreal as Miami was on the receiving end of a 3-2 defeat. The team seemed like headless chickens for most of the game, with Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez failing to deliver when the team needed it the most. Fans will hope the Miami-based franchise brings out a better performance against DC United, as a loss will see the side slip from the top of the perch in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi Takes US Soccer to Top Google List, Beating NFL & UEFA Champions League