Lionel Messi will not be participating in Inter Miami’s upcoming match against New York City FC due to a lingering hamstring injury that he sustained during the CONCACAF Champions Cup last season. The Argentine player was not present on the training grounds with the team, as he was nursing the pre-existing hamstring issue. Reports from football journalists at the training session provided an update on the team’s preparations for the game scheduled for March 30. Messi was spotted in the team’s gym, focusing on his recovery, while other players like Drake Callender and Diego Gomez returned from national team duties. The club’s plan is for Messi to make a return to action during the game against Monterrey on April 3 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal, following his injury during the Nashville match.
Messi first felt discomfort in his hamstring during the CONCACAF Champions Cup game against Nashville, where he scored a goal and contributed an assist before being substituted in the 50th minute. Inter Miami’s manager, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, addressed the injury as a weekly concern that requires close monitoring throughout the recovery process. Messi was also sidelined for international friendlies with Argentina against El Salvador and Costa Rica, where Argentina emerged victorious in both matches. Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami has performed well this season, currently standing second in the MLS standings with three wins, one draw, and two losses. However, the team suffered a defeat to New York Red Bulls in their recent game without Messi, losing 4-0.
In Messi’s three appearances for Inter Miami this season, he has shown his impact with three goals and an assist. The team signed Luis Suarez, a former Barcelona teammate of Messi, who leads the team with six goals this season. Messi and Suarez displayed their quality in a memorable 5-0 victory over Orlando City, where they both scored twice. Suarez expressed his joy in sharing the final years of their professional careers together, highlighting the friendship they have on and off the field. Inter Miami has a demanding schedule ahead, playing 17 league games before the Leagues Cup group stage this summer, where they will face Puebla. The club is the reigning League Cup champions, winning in a penalty shootout against Nashville, with Messi’s goal playing a crucial role in the final.
As Inter Miami navigates Messi’s absence and focuses on maintaining their league position, the team aims to capitalize on Suarez’s goal-scoring form and team cohesion. The loss to New York Red Bulls highlighted the importance of having key players like Messi available for crucial games. With a solid start to the season despite the injury setbacks, Inter Miami will be looking to navigate through upcoming challenges and continue their pursuit of success in the MLS. Messi’s return to action in early April will be eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates, as his presence on the field significantly impacts the team’s performance and results.
