Tata Martino has shed light on Lionel Messi’s latest injury setback, with the Inter Miami captain forced off after just 37 minutes last night.
Speaking to the press via Pro Soccer Wire, the MLS manager revealed that Messi’s latest injury wasn’t anything new or serious, with the forward likely to have aggravated an old injury.
Martino said: “It wasn’t part of the plan. I wouldn’t say it was anything new or more serious than what was there before. I don’t think there are any muscular injuries and we will take it day by day.”
With Jordi Alba also coming off early, Martino confirmed that both players won’t feature in Sunday’s Florida derby against Orlando City.
With Inter Miami taking part in the US Open Cup final next week, having Messi back fit in time will be key if Martino is to win his second piece of silverware with the Herons.
Indeed, starting Messi and Alba might have been a risky play from the Inter Miami manager, especially with the Florida franchise getting the job done against Toronto with ease without the pair.
Messi injury could have been avoided had he not played
Pressure to play Messi will always be there for Inter Miami no matter how hurt the forward is, yet last night proved that the Argentine needs to be protected and treated with care.
The 36-year-old shouldn’t have featured for Inter Miami last night, let alone played, and Martino could now live with the consequences if the attacker is out for next week’s Open Cup final.
With Alba also injured, Inter Miami could lose two key players due to Martino’s recklessness, and fans will hope that the defender and Messi are fit enough for next week.