Lionel Messi could reportedly miss Inter Miami’s next match this weekend after coming off with an injury against Nashville SC.
The 36-year-old attacker was withdrawn after 50 minutes with Tata Martino confirming post-match that Messi had felt discomfort in the first half in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash.
Having scored one and assisted Luis Suarez’s opener, it was a productive 50-minute performance from Messi, yet the forward coming off with an injury again proposes some fears for Inter Miami fans.
Lionel Messi set to miss Inter Miami’s MLS next game due to injury
And according to the Miami Herald, Messi is now expected to be unavailable for the Heron’s away trip up north to DC United, with the forward expected to go out on international duty with Argentina this month.
With Messi missing last weekend’s MLS clash against CF Montreal, the Inter Miami captain being absent from another league fixture is a massive blow for the Herons in their bid to build points early on in the season.
The more distance Inter Miami can put between themselves and their Eastern Conference rivals, the better the odds are of the Florida franchise qualifying for the playoffs at the earliest possible point.
Yet with Messi unlikely to travel to the US capital, Inter Miami could again find themselves on the losing side, with DC United starting the season in good form.
Lionel Messi could benefit from a break from international duty
The international break has arguably come at the worst possible time for Inter Miami, with Messi set to travel out with Argentina for two friendlies that ultimately mean little.
With the forward now suffering another injury, Messi could benefit greatly from having a break this international break, with Inter Miami’s fixtures way more important at the moment than Argentina’s.
Indeed, the odds of such a thing happening remain close to zero, even if Messi’s physical wellbeing would be better off remaining in Florida and training with Inter Miami.