Inter Miami Skipper Lionel Messi To Miss Leagues Cup Game Against Pumas Due To...
The Argentinian World Cup-winner suffered a minor muscle injury in his upper right leg in Miami's triumph over Necaxa in their previous assignment on Saturday.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano revealed on Wednesday that star player Lionel Messi will miss the side's crucial Leagues Cup encounter against Pumas UNAM due to a minor injury.
The Argentinian World Cup-winner suffered a minor muscle injury in his upper right leg in Miami's triumph over Necaxa in their previous assignment on Saturday.
Mascherano hoped to have his star man back as soon as possible, but did not reveal any particular timeline for the return of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Messi's senior compatriot, Mascherano, opined that the magician from Rosario recovers quite swiftly and eagerly anticipated the return of the genius southpaw.
'Within the bad news, it's good news," Mascherano said.
'He usually recovers very well from injuries and above all, normally does with speed, so we will see."
'But clearly for tomorrow he is unavailable. But then we will see how he feels, how he progresses."
Messi was substituted in the 11th minute of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Necaxa at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday. Miami secured a 5-4 victory on penalties after the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regular play.
Messi advanced with the ball, dribbling into Necaxa's defense, but stumbled near the penalty area and collided with defender Alexis Pena, falling to the ground in frustration as the ball was cleared away.
Messi led Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 following his arrival to the Herons, and has gone on to score a league-best 18 goals in MLS matches this season.
Inter Miami is set to play their final group stage game and needs a victory over Pumas to advance to the quarter-finals of the Cup competition, which includes teams from both the MLS and the Mexican league.
If Miami reaches the knockout stages, Messi would have two weeks to recover before the quarter-finals. Miami's next MLS match is scheduled for Sunday against Orlando.
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