Sidelined By Injury Vs Orlando, Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs DC United?

In the 41st minute of the Inter Miami-CF Vs Montreal match, many hearts skipped a beat. Lionel Messi suffered a nasty-looking foul and had to be attended to by the medical staff. Although he returned soon, he didn’t look his usual self. The fears were confirmed as the playmaker was not even on the bench against Orlando City. As per the medical staff, Messi had discomfort in his knees. Considering the Herons’ shocking record without the Argentine superstar, there is concern regarding his status for the DC United game. Has Messi recovered from his injury? Let’s find out below.

The latest report from journalist Gaston Edul states that Lionel Messi is fit for the upcoming clash. La Pulga will certainly play a part, be it a starting role or from the bench. However, Messi still has a slight discomfort in the knee as per Tata Martino.

The Argentine manager said, “We will decide his availability after training, but we are optimistic regarding the game on Saturday. There was no intention for Leo to miss the game for load management; he felt fine, but he couldn’t maneuver his leg well with the injury and still has a slight discomfort in that area.”

Regardless, this is a mild worry and Inter Miami fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Having Lionel Messi in the side elevates their game to a whole different level. As a matter of fact, the Herons suffered 3 losses and 2 draws in games where the playmaker was unavailable. The team’s overreliance on the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a running gag among fans, one which Tata Martino subtly agrees.

Like Barcelona previously, Inter Miami is dependent on Lionel Messi, accedes Tata Martino

When Inter Miami drew against 10th-seeded Orlando City, questions were raised at the manager. The Argentine tactician acknowledged that the absence of Lionel Messi was a major factor. He said, “With Leo (Messi) not there it is impossible to achieve the ability he has to play the last 25 meters, Inter Miami feels that today, and Barcelona ten years ago.”

Notably, Martino had coached Messi during his time in Barcelona in the 2013/14 season. Hence, the manager is implying that pretty much any team in the world would be reliant on a player like Lionel Messi. After all, even at the age of 36, he continues to lead from the front and has 10 goals and 9 assists in the league.

However, if Inter Miami has to win the league, they will need more contributions from the likes of Campana and Rojas. After all, that Barcelona side has an immense supporting cast for Messi, one which Inter Miam is yet to provide.