Lionel Messi has been struggling with recurring injuries one of which he sustained during Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Necaxa, as the Argentine icon was forced off the field within the first 11 minutes of the match at Miami’s Chase Field.
Early Blow For Inter Miami
Messi was in visible discomfort after taking a bang close to the edge of Necaxa’s penalty box. Although he tried to carry on, he was shortly afterwards observed lying flat on the ground, wincing in agony. Doctors and medical staff rushed to attend to him, tending to his right thigh and groin the very area which has given him woes over the past few weeks.
Recurring Injury Struggles
The issue appeared to mirror the thigh and groin strain that previously sidelined Messi during Argentina’s international fixtures and also affected his participation in Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign. The 38-year-old has had to carefully manage his fitness, and this latest setback raises concerns about his ability to stay match-fit throughout the season.
Redondo Steps In, Drama Follows
Within minutes of Messi being taken off, Federico Redondo, another Argentine star, came onto the pitch and assisted Inter Miami in regaining momentum swiftly. The game then descended into chaos Miami were down to 10 men after a red card in the 17th minute, which gave Necaxa the opportunity to find an equalizer.
Necaxa then themselves were given a red card towards the end of a fiercely contested match. As the match approached its climax, Mexico’s side pulled ahead at the death, but only for Jordi Alba to level in the dying seconds with a stoppage-time equaliser, sending the tie into extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout.
Inter Miami Win It In Penalties
Inter Miami held their nerve, converting all five of their spot-kicks to secure victory and progress further in the Leagues Cup. The club is aiming to defend its 2023 title, Messi’s first trophy with the Florida-based team.
Also Read: Lionel Messi’s Last-Minute Assist Helps Inter Miami Win Against Atlas In Leagues Cup
Coach Mascherano Offers Injury Update
Fortunately for supporters, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano provided a comparatively encouraging report after the game. He confirmed that Messi was substituted as a precaution, citing “discomfort” but not acute pain in the hamstring.
“Leo felt discomfort in his hamstring, and until tomorrow we won’t know the extent of the injury…He probably has something, but it might not be too serious because he wasn’t in pain. He felt discomfort, and that’s why he came off.”
With 18 goals and 9 assists in 18 matches this term, Messi has been in fantastic form. Nevertheless, with his increasing injury struggle, his availability is always a cause of worry as Miami continues to advance in the tournament.
