Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has disclosed that Lionel Messi is currently dealing with a calf issue, thus the 36-year-old superstar falls under a “special care” category, and his participation in matches is determined on a per-game basis.
Messi was absent from the 3-1 victory against D.C. United on Saturday in Washington. This marks the second consecutive MLS match Messi couldn’t participate in. However, amidst this, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner featured in the 3-1 triumph over Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 on Wednesday, contributing with a goal and an assist but had to leave the pitch in the 50th minute.
The 36-year-old superstar is likely to miss Argentina’s two friendly matches in the USA, against El Salvador on March 22 and Costa Rica four days later. Regarding his availability for Inter Miami, his participation in the match against New York City FC on March 30, or the clashes with CF Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals – with the first leg at home on April 3 and the second leg in Mexico a week later – will be assessed prior to each fixture.
Coach Martino confirmed, “The decision whether Leo will join [the national team] is up to the national team’s staff to discuss. He’s dealing with a muscle injury. Messi’s injury needs to be managed weekly, and we’ll assess it. It’s clear his goal is to play in the CONCACAF quarterfinals.”
In Messi’s absence due to injury, Inter Miami capitalized on two goals from Luis Suarez to overcome D.C. United. The seasoned Uruguayan player started the match on the bench, coming on in the 62nd minute with the score tied 1-1, but quickly made an impact by scoring in the 72nd and 85th minutes, securing Miami 10 points from their first 5 MLS matches of the season. This marks the 37-year-old striker’s second brace for the new club, bringing his total tally to 6 goals in 7 appearances.