Messi exits Miami win early, likely out next game

Inter Miami Proceeding Carefully With Messi's Injury: Martino

On the 14th of March in the year 2024 at 4:14 AM.

Lionel Messi made a significant contribution to Inter Miami CF's 3-1 win against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 matchup by scoring a goal and assisting another before being substituted due to a leg injury.

The Inter Miami coach, Gerardo "Tata" Martino, mentioned that Messi might not be able to participate in the upcoming MLS match against D.C. United because of his injury. The team is being careful with their star player's health and taking a precautionary approach.

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Martino expressed his concern about the upcoming game on Saturday, stating that he wants to avoid taking any chances. He also mentioned that he anticipates the player in question may not be able to participate. However, Martino noted that they will be conducting tests soon to assess his condition, and they will make a final decision based on his feedback.

Messi was absent in the team's previous game against CF Montréal, which resulted in a 3-2 defeat. However, there didn't seem to be any signs of injury as he calmly walked off the field and was substituted by Robert Taylor.

According to Martino, Leo's right leg is experiencing excessive muscle strain. To avoid any potential danger, we decided to be cautious. Even though we attempted to see if he could continue playing after halftime, he was still in discomfort. Therefore, we opted to substitute him out of the game.

Messi got replaced in the 50th minute of the match, which is the earliest he's ever been subbed off in a second half. Before that, he was able to help Luis Suárez score the first Miami goal in the 8th minute and managed to achieve his fifth goal of the season to bring his team to a 2-0 lead.

Martino expressed that they were aware from the beginning of the season that Messi wouldn't be able to play in every game. He mentioned that if Messi couldn't play or needed to be substituted, it wasn't like any other player missing out, as Messi is considered as the greatest player of all time.

Miami has made it to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with an overall score of 5-3. They will now wait to play the victor of the Monterrey and FC Cincinnati series, with their match scheduled for April 2nd.

This report includes information from The Associated Press.