Lionel Messi was absent for the fourth consecutive game in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final first leg against Monterrey due to a hamstring injury he sustained during a previous match. Despite his absence, the team initially took the lead, but Monterrey managed to score two goals after Inter Miami went down to ten men. With Messi watching from the stands, his former international teammate Maximiliano Meza scored one of Monterrey’s goals, and his familiar face on the pitch was disappointing for the Miami captain.
Inter Miami’s coach, Martino, admitted that Messi’s availability for future games is uncertain, as the player’s recovery is being monitored day by day. With important league fixtures coming up, including a game against the Colorado Rapids, Messi’s return remains uncertain. The team is also missing other key players due to various injuries, but Messi remains the biggest absence across league and cup competitions. Even opposition coach Fernando Ortiz expressed admiration for Messi and hoped to play against him in the future.
Despite missing Messi, Inter Miami has had impressive performances in the MLS, with Messi making an instant impact. Fans can follow all the action from the States on Apple TV+ with the MLS Season Pass, where they can catch Messi’s debut season in the league, exclusive live games, highlight shows, and interviews. The absence of Messi is keenly felt by the team, and his return is eagerly awaited by players and fans alike. The team hopes to have their talisman back soon to help turn around their fortunes in upcoming matches.
Inter Miami faces a tough challenge in their Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey, as the away goals rule applies, leaving them with work to do in the second leg in Mexico. The team’s performance in the first leg, despite Messi’s absence, showed promise, and they will look to build on that in the second leg. With Messi’s recovery being monitored closely and important fixtures coming up, including a league game against the Rapids, the team is focused on getting back to winning ways. Fans can expect exciting times ahead as Messi’s impact on the team grows with each game.
