- But ready football showpiece despite injury scare
Inter Miami say their effervescent captain, Lionel Messi has ‘overload’ and ‘muscle fatigue’ in hamstring but he is still expected to play at the forthcoming World Cup in June.
The Herons provided an update after the 38-year-old was substituted in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort.
Following further medical tests on Monday, the Major League Soccer (MSL) club said Argentina star’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”
Reports indicate that the Argentine is expected to be ready for the World Cup. However, Inter Miami didn’t give a clear timetable on Messi’s return. On his part, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Argentine forward is expected to be ready by the time the World Cup kicks off in June.
On how the season is panning out for Messi so far, the statistics showed that the Argentine pocket dynamite has played all but one of Miami’s 15 matches this season and has 12 goals and eight assists in league action. He is the reigning MVP-winner, having taken home the award in the last two seasons.
Going forward, the upcoming slate indicates that La Selección have two friendlies prior to opening up their World Cup title defence on June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria.
So What Comes Next For Inter Miami?
The Herons have a lengthy break before returning to action, with their next league match scheduled on July 22. They are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 31 points after 15 matches.
Meanwhile, according to the diagnosis, medical tests revealed “an overload associated with muscle fatigue” in Messi’s left hamstring, though no severe tissue damage was found.
However, the timeline on his return to full physical activity will depend entirely on his day-to-day clinical progress. Amid the injury worries, Messi is still expected to lead Argentina as they begin their training camp for the upcoming World Cup tournament.
