Inter Miami’s Wednesday triumph over Nashville saw Lionel Messi exiting the field after just 50 minutes due to what Tata Martino labeled as an “overload” in his right leg muscles.
While Miami celebrated a convincing 3-1 victory (5-3 aggregate), advancing to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, Messi’s early departure cast a shadow over the win. Despite contributing a goal and an assist in the first half, Messi’s discomfort saw him sidelined for the majority of the game’s latter stages.
Martino expressed concern postgame, hinting that Messi might miss the upcoming match against D.C. United on Saturday. The substitution was characterized as precautionary, reminiscent of past instances where Messi grappled with recurring leg issues, particularly his right hamstring.
This latest setback echoes similar concerns from last September when Messi initially faced troubles during a World Cup qualifier. Despite attempts to downplay it as “fatigue,” it ultimately led to a series of missed games, derailing Inter Miami’s season.
Even after appearing fit at the start of the MLS season, Messi’s discomfort resurfaced, casting doubt over his availability for future fixtures. Despite his brilliance on the field, concerns persist regarding his physical condition and the potential impact on Inter Miami’s campaign.
As Inter Miami braces for upcoming challenges, including a crucial Champions Cup quarterfinal, the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s fitness looms large, raising questions about his participation in both club and international fixtures in the near future.