Lionel Messi was subbed off the field during Argentina’s win against Brazil after experiencing some discomfort in his leg.
The 36-year-old captained La Albiceleste as they beat Brazil at the iconic Maracana Stadium. Argentina now sits a top of the CONMEBOL World Cup standings, sitting on 15 points through six matches.
Speaking to TYC Sports after the match, Messi said he felt ‘pain’ in his right abductor muscle and asked to be taken off as a precaution: “I felt discomfort in my adductor. It was my last game of the year, so I have time to get well to start 2024 giving everything.”
The World Cup winner has officially played his last match of 2023. Messi will now start his off season as he prepares to enter his second year with Inter Miami.
Miami will begin pre-season in early January, with practices starting on the 10th.
Messi injury woes
This isn’t the first muscle injury Messi has dealt with this season.
The 36-year-old was out for three weeks in September for Inter Miami after aggravating a recurring hamstring problem.
He eventually worked his way back to full fitness just in time to play in Miami’s last three matches of the season against FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC.
As the 2024 season inches closer, its imperative Miami cultivate a roster that’s able to support the superstar if he’s out for a length of time due to injury.
Inter Miami Sporting Director Chris Henderson already stated that the organization is looking to improve the squad: “But in saying that, we want more. We will improve this roster.”
Ultimately, for the men in pink to challenge for more silverware, adding quality to the roster is important. As the off season rolls on, Inter Miami will be patient in deciding what players to bring into the club.