The key question now is Lionel Messi’s injury status, with Inter Miami preparing for defining games in the next few days. Argentine star The fans and pundits will be looking to see whether he could participate in road games against Atlanta United and NYCFC, with reports stating that Messi is fit again for road games. The Messi Injury Update just comes after a game that saw him recently return to action, inspiring Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union last weekend.
Messi Injury Update: Return to the Field
Messi returned from his two-month injury layoff with elapsing minutes in the match against Philadelphia. In that match, he scored two goals, assisted one, and played 105 minutes. Despite playing such extended minutes, Messi seemed to finish the game in good condition. His performance furthered his great season statistics of 14 goals and 14 assists in just 13 league appearances.
In a news conference, Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, gave the Messi injury update: he will travel for road games. Still, Martino remained reserved about Messi as he had said they would take it “day by day.” He added that matches in a week are important not to overwork Messi, especially with the tough schedule.
Managing Messi’s Playing Time
While Martino confirmed that Messi is travelling, he did not quite go the full length to confirm whether Messi would start and play or start and be taken off. He said that Messi was understandably tired after playing his first full 90 minutes in a long time but voiced that he finished the game in good condition.
“We have to manage his minutes with care,” Martino said. “This week, we have three games, and it’s important not to stretch him too much.
With that in mind, Messi may be on the bench to start or play reduced minutes depending on the flow of the game. It is nothing new for Inter Miami, who have managed Messi’s minutes cautiously since his arrival, especially in midweek matches.
Messi and Suarez’s Impact
While Messi’s injury status is the primary concern, Inter Miami’s other star forward, Luis Suarez, is expected to make the trip and feature in both games. Suarez has been in fine form this season, netting 17 goals in 21 appearances to make him one of the top scorers in MLS. The two combined with Messi for a lethal attacking partnership for Inter Miami.
It should be the case that Messi and Suarez make the trip, so the Messi injury update will be one of the closely monitored updates.
Is Messi Playing against NYCFC: Key factors
Whether Martino decides to play Messi against NYCFC will depend on a host of factors. First, there is the issue of the team’s packed schedule for three games in seven days. That, coupled with the fact that Messi has had problems with injuries over the last year, insinuates that Martino will want to be more cautious rather than not.
Besides, Inter Miami has already sealed a playoff position, so Martino is in a position where he can give him rest whenever needed. With 62 points from 28 matches, Inter Miami is comfortably seated at the top in the standings, and their main focus should be to keep the key players fit for the playoffs.
Martino says the decision about playing Messi depends on how he would have felt at every training and match. “We will take it game by game and see how he recovers,” Martino said.
While Messi’s condition is a huge talking point, Inter Miami must also deal with other squad issues. Defenders Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles are suspended owing to yellow card accumulation, and other players also suffer from nursing injuries. The Messi injury update is even more important in light of these absences since Inter Miami may have to lean more heavily on their attacking players to compensate for a weakened defense.
Looking Ahead: Messi’s Role in the Playoffs
Martino wants Messi at the best possible fitness level entering the postseason, now that only six games remain in the regular season. Martino’s shrewd manner in managing Messi’s minutes suggests that, while fans would love to see him play in every game, though eager, the priority will be keeping him fit for the matches that matter most.
Whether Messi starts the next match or continues to get more rest, the fact that he is back to full functionality after that injury means a lot to Inter Miami. The club is at the top of the standings, which can afford them some license in how they use their stars, and the latest Messi injury update shows he’s on course to feature heavily in the final stretch of the season.
Messi will travel with the team, but there is uncertainty to feature in the game. Fans will be asking themselves, Is Messi playing against NYCFC?”, but Martino’s cautious approach seems to suggest that Messi’s minutes will be managed with the playoffs coming up.
