Lionel Messi's Injury Raises Concerns at Inter Miami
Argentinian Gerardo 'Tata' Martino stated on Wednesday that Lionel Messi is suffering from a "strain in the right hamstring" and that he substituted him during the 3-1 victory over Nashville in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 to avoid any risks.
"He has a strain in the right hamstring, and we didn't want to take any risks. We tried to see if he could endure a bit longer, but it was bothering him, so we preferred him to leave the match," Martino said in the post-match press conference at Chase Stadium.
Leo Messi and Uruguayan Luis Suárez scored a goal each and provided an assist in the 3-1 victory for Inter Miami against Nashville, securing Martino's men a spot in the quarter-finals of the 'ConcaChampions,' where they will face either Monterrey or Cincinnati.
The 'Tata' reported that he does not know the extent of Messi's injury but expects the Argentine to be sidelined for the match against DC United.
"I don't want to take any risks, but I imagine he won't be available for Saturday's match. That's all I could say about what's coming up. Then, he'll undergo some imaging, and we'll see how he progresses," he said.
"It's not about replacing a player; it's about replacing the best player of all," he added later.
Messi is expected to join the Argentine national team for the next FIFA international break after the MLS weekend.
"Monterrey, Tigres, and América are the most powerful teams in Mexico and usually win the leagues, and we have both Monterrey teams in our bracket. Monterrey has very good domestic and international players. We will analyze the opponent we face," Martino said about their upcoming opponent.
"We have to consider whether we will end up in Monterrey or stay here at home. Right now, there's no room to think about the future opponent in the ConcaChampions, but we have to play in two days," he added, referring to the clash with DC United.
Martino also praised Argentine Federico Redondo and Spaniard Sergio Busquets, stating that they seem like they have been playing together for many years despite only having a few matches with the pink club.
