Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Misses Fourth Game due to Injury Woes
In a disappointing turn of events for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has been sidelined for his fourth consecutive game due to ongoing injury concerns. The Argentine star’s absence was felt as the team faced off against New York City FC, with the start of the match being delayed by an hour due to lightning.
Ahead of the game, a large contingent of fans donning Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey gathered at DRV PNK Stadium. Hundreds of them lined up along the parking lot barricades in hopes of catching a glimpse of the star player as the team bus arrived at the stadium gate. Unfortunately, their wishes went unfulfilled.
Messi made an appearance just moments before the scheduled start of the game, dressed in street clothes, mirroring his attendance at the U.S. Open Cup final earlier in the week, where Miami suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Houston Dynamo. Reports indicate that Messi was present in the locker room with his teammates prior to the match.
During Inter Miami’s 12-game unbeaten streak, Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring 11 goals. However, since the team’s 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC on September 3rd, the talismanic forward has only been able to play a mere 37 minutes. He missed one game while away on national team duty and has been absent for four of the team’s last five matches due to an unspecified leg injury.
The details surrounding Messi’s injury remain undisclosed by both the player and the club. When asked for updates, coach Tata Martino and assistant coach Javi Morales have consistently stated that Messi’s status is evaluated on a day-to-day basis, and each match’s availability is determined on game day. Morales further explained that muscle injuries can be tricky, as players may feel fine but could aggravate the injury during training sessions or games.
On the same note, Jordi Alba, another former FC Barcelona teammate of Messi, has also been missing from the squad for the second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The absences of both players come at a crucial juncture in the season as Inter Miami currently trails NYCFC by five points and five places for the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, Miami does have two games in hand. As it stands, Miami has amassed 32 points compared to NYCFC’s 37.
Considering the historical point requirements to secure the ninth-place spot in recent years, Miami would need to accumulate 12 points from their final five games in order to secure a playoff berth. With little room for error, the team faces an uphill battle.
As the season draws nearer to its conclusion, fans anxiously await updates on Messi’s recovery, hoping to see him back in action and leading Inter Miami’s charge towards the playoffs. Until then, the team must persist without their star player and make the most of their remaining fixtures to keep their postseason dreams alive.
