Inter Miami will have to wait longer to get their captain back.
Lionel Messi’s return to the field is being delayed further. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will not feature against Orlando City. According to Mascherano, considering the busy schedule, playing Messi in this match would be far too risky for his former teammate.
Messi left the field in the 11th minute during the August 2nd Leagues Cup match against Necaxa due to an injury. After examinations, the club reported he has a ‘minor’ muscle injury in his right leg. No timeline has been provided yet for the captain’s return.
Inter Miami will face Orlando City in a regular MLS season match on Monday morning (Bangladesh time) at Orlando’s home ground. At Saturday’s press conference, Mascherano announced Messi will not travel with the team.
“Leo will not be available tomorrow. He is fine, but given the busy schedule ahead, it would be madness to take him to Orlando. We hope he returns to us very soon.”
After this game, Miami will play LA Galaxy on August 16 in MLS. Three days later, they face Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Despite Messi’s absence, Miami secured their spot in the last eight by defeating Mexico’s Pumas UNAM 3-1 last Wednesday.
Before his injury, the 38-year-old Messi was in excellent form.
