Lionel Messi has an uncertain timeline to return for Inter Miami, but the MLS side seems to think he’ll be back soon.
Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino told reporters on Friday that the Argentine star aggravated an old issue during the first half of Wednesday’s win over Toronto FC. Messi and Jordi Alba both left the game in the first half.
“Leo is dealing with an old scar tissue,” said Martino. “Jordi has muscular fatigue. We will evaluate them day-by-day… Neither Alba nor [Messi] are [available to play] for Sunday.”
Messi was given a game to rest after international duty for Argentina, sitting out Miami’s 5-2 loss at Atlanta United. In his return Wednesday night, Messi walked off under his own power in the 37th minute, shortly after attempting a through ball against Toronto. That change came barely two minutes after Alba was also substituted, who like Messi walked off without assistance.
The Herons would go on to thrash TFC 4-0, keeping the club’s playoff hopes alive despite seeing two crucial players both come off before halftime.
“It’s bothersome. I don’t know if it hurts. I can’t really explain as it’s more a medical topic,” added Martino. “It’s probable it bothers him to the point, including mentally, that he isn’t able to play freely.”
Tata Martino was asked how is it that a scar is hurting #Messi𓃵:
“It’s bothersome. I don’t know if it hurts. I can’t really explain as it’s more a medical topic.
“It‘s probable it bothers him to the point, including mentally, that he isn’t able to play freely.”#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/cT5vuPoL8l
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 22, 2023
Getting Messi and Alba back is a pressing matter for Miami. For one thing, the Herons have just six games to make up a five-point deficit to qualify for the MLS playoffs. While ripping TFC to shreds without those two on the field was a positive sign for Miami, the fact is that Toronto is having a terrible season.
Miami’s remaining schedule includes the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo coming up on Wednesday, as well as daunting games against FC Cincinnati and Orlando City, two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The other four matches all include direct competition for that last playoff spot, including two clashes with Charlotte FC in the season’s final week.
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