Lionel Messi has suffered multiple injury and fatigue issues since moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami last summer. He missed a few games last season and has already missed some this season as well.
Lionel Messi injury update
In the latest case of the injury, Messi came off in the second half of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 second-leg clash against Nashville. The Herons won the match 3-1 and the tie 5-3 on aggregate.
However, Lionel Messi didn’t feature in their next game against D.C. United away in the MLS, which they won 3-1. He is also set to miss both games for Argentina in the ongoing international break. La Albiceleste beat El Salvador 3-0 in the first friendly on Friday and will take on Costa Rica on March 26.
As per journalist Hernan Claus, Messi is set to miss the next two games for Inter Miami against NY Red Bulls and New York City. He could return to action in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals first leg against Monterrey on Wednesday, April 3.
Claus reported on Twitter:
“A week after the injury he suffered in the back of his right leg, Leo today did some jogging on the playing field in practice #InterMiami. The evolution is going well and the 10 aims to arrive in optimal conditions for the first leg against #Rayados of Monterrey.”
The first leg will take place at Inter Miami’s home ground Chase Stadium.
Also Read: NY Red Bulls vs Inter Miami Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | MLS
A look at Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami career so far
Despite having offers from Barcelona and Saudi Arabian sides, Lionel Messi chose to join Inter Miami after leaving PSG upon the expiration of his contract last summer.
Messi helped the David Beckham co-owned side win their first-ever trophy – the Leagues Cup. He scored 10 goals in seven games in the competition. However, he struggled with injuries and form in the MLS as they finished below the playoff spots.
The Argentine will now hope to do better this season. He has scored five goals and provided two assists in five games across competitions for Inter Miami this season.
The Herons are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference table, level on points with second-placed Columbus Crew, having played one more game.
They have also reached the Concacaf quarter-finals, where they will take on Monterrey over two legs.