Lionel Messi has already missed the last 4 out of Inter Miami’s last 5 games. During this time, he missed the US Open Cup final which Miami lost. Messi missed the matches due to an unspecified leg injury. No confirmation has come about the availability of the Argentinian. However, if he continues to miss more games and Miami continue to lose, they will not qualify for the MLS play-off. As a result, after October 21st, Messi could be out of action till late February.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami back in July. His debut match was on July 21st. From there on, he started and played full-time in almost all of their matches. He was also playing with only 3-4 day gaps. Starting from his debut in the Leagues Cup game on 21st July, he played in all of Miami’s 7 matches. He then appeared in 3 MLS matches. He then travelled with the national team to play in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers matches. In the span of 1 and a half months, Messi played these 11 matches.
At the age of 36 years, fatigue was sure to come with so many frequent games and fewer breaks. Messi was set to miss Miami’s one MLS match set on 10th September due to being away for international duties. However, it was revealed that he had an unspecified leg injury when he was still travelling with the Argentina team. He missed their second World Cup qualifiers match against Bolivia. Messi came back to the United States, but he has not been able to start in any match after that.
Since, Messi’s return from his international duties, Inter Miami have played Atalanta United, Toronto FC, and Orlando City in the MLS, and played Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final. His absence in the US Open Cup final was felt greatly as Miami lost the chance to win another trophy by losing 2-1 against Houston Dynamo. Messi played for 30 minutes in their match against Toronto FC. However, he missed both matches against Atalanta United and Orlando City and Miami couldn’t manage a win in any of them.
They have a crucial match against New City FC which Messi could miss. Ahead of the match, assistant coach Javier Morales said, “We are taking it day by day. We were trying up until the last moment for the final but he couldn’t make it. It’s communication with the medical staff and with him to see how he’s feeling. Now he is going to train and test it out.” Miami have a 5-point gap that they need to bridge in their next 5 matches to qualify for the MLS play-offs.
Before the MLS play-offs, Miami will play their last match on 21st October. If they are unable to qualify for the play-offs, Messi will be out of action till late February. As per reports, MLS’ 2024 season will start on February 24th. Hence, Messi will still have to wait around 95 days to play again. Argentina have World Cup qualifiers in November against Brazil and Uruguay. If he doesn’t play in those matches, then it will become a record. The longest break Messi has gone through was 99 days during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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