In a high-stakes match that ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw against New York City FC, the spotlight was on Lionel Messi, who was notably absent from the field. While the game’s dramatic conclusion had fans on the edge of their seats, post-match discussions centered around the enigmatic injury status of the Argentine superstar.
Adding to the intrigue, the Inter Miami Podcast, an independent source, claimed that Messi had sustained a 2 cm hamstring tear, a diagnosis reportedly confirmed by an MRI scan. This potential injury threatened to sideline Messi for the remainder of the MLS season, sending shockwaves through the football world. However, Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, swiftly countered these claims during a post-match press conference.
Martino, addressing the conflicting reports, maintained that Lionel Messi’s condition is under constant evaluation, emphasizing that the player is undergoing separate training sessions to aid his recovery. He optimistically stated that Messi is “feeling better and better” and reaffirmed his belief that the football sensation would make a triumphant return before the conclusion of the MLS season.
The drawn match leaves Inter Miami in a precarious position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They currently trail ninth-place CF Montréal by four points with only four games remaining in the regular season. However, Inter Miami possesses a game in hand over Montréal and a two-game advantage over D.C. United, providing a glimmer of hope for securing a coveted playoff berth.
Despite the challenges posed by a demanding schedule, which includes five matches in just two weeks, Martino remained resolute and expressed unwavering optimism. He lauded the team’s resilience and maintained that “great expectations” still surround Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations. The team’s next challenge awaits as they prepare to face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, followed by a crucial home game against Cincinnati on Saturday.
