How severe is Lionel Messi’s injury? The answer may depend on who you ask.
Messi watched from the sidelines as Inter Miami battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw against New York City FC. The game featured a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time by the Herons, who came close to securing a crucial victory with a late shot that hit the underside of the crossbar.
Despite the exciting finish to a match that was delayed due to storms, Messi continued to be the center of attention after the game.
An unofficial report from the Inter Miami Podcast claimed that Messi had suffered a 2-centimeter hamstring tear, as confirmed by an MRI scan. The report suggested that Messi could be sidelined for the remainder of the MLS season.
However, Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, dismissed the report as inaccurate.
In his post-match press conference, Martino stated, “Only time will tell if my statement is true or if the person who made the report is correct. We will take it game by game.
“We will assess Messi’s condition and decide whether he will be on the bench or unavailable for upcoming matches against Chicago or FC Cincinnati. He has been training separately from the team, but he is improving day by day.”
Messi has been spotted participating in Miami’s recent training sessions to some extent, although his full capabilities are still uncertain. Previously, Martino had expressed confidence in Messi’s return before the end of the MLS season.
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Miami’s hopes remain alive if Messi makes a comeback
As the regular season inches closer to its end, the single point earned by Messi’s team falls short of their actual needs.
Nevertheless, despite the messy playoff race in the Eastern Conference, Miami ended the night one point closer to the top nine teams than before. Out of the seven teams competing for the final two remaining spots, only the Chicago Fire emerged victorious on Saturday, while three others suffered defeats elsewhere.
The downside? The Herons currently trail ninth-place CF Montréal by four points, with Montréal ahead of D.C. United and the Fire based on games won. With only four games remaining, there is no room for mistakes.
The upside? Miami has played fewer matches than Montréal, Chicago, and D.C., giving them an opportunity to capitalize on any missteps from these teams, which have struggled to maintain a positive streak.
“We have been playing multiple decisive games, both mentally and physically,” said Martino. “Despite all the challenges, we have been fighting for victory with dignity. Three months ago, we were in last place, and these players have brought us to where we are today. We have high expectations.”
Miami has been engaged in close matches, even with their demanding schedule. The draw against NYCFC marked their fifth game in two weeks, with two more matches scheduled within the next six days. The Herons are set to face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, followed by a home match against Cincinnati on Saturday.
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