Introduction to the Injury
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is dealing with a minor muscle injury in his right leg after being hurt in the opening minutes of Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, the club said Sunday.
Details of the Injury
Messi underwent tests on his right leg after experiencing discomfort following a play in which he fell while being challenged by a pair of Necaxa defenders, in a game Inter Miami won on penalty kicks. His timeline for return isn’t yet known, though it seems unlikely that he will be available for Miami’s next Leagues Cup match against UNAM Pumas on Wednesday.
Medical Clearance and Treatment
Inter Miami said in a release that Messi’s medical clearance will depend on how he responds to treatment. Messi slapped his hand against the ground in frustration after the fall, which happened in the first 10 minutes of Saturday’s match. He walked slowly toward the Inter Miami bench before sitting down on the pitch. Trainers came out and worked on his right upper thigh area for a couple of minutes before he subbed out for Federico Redondo in the 11th. He then immediately walked to the locker room.
Coach’s Assessment
Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the game that Messi wasn’t in any pain. This assessment provides some relief, indicating that the situation might not be as severe as initially thought. However, the lack of a specific timeline for Messi’s return leaves uncertainty about his availability for upcoming matches.
Conclusion
The minor muscle injury to Lionel Messi’s right leg has introduced an element of uncertainty into Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule. While the club has stated that the injury is minor, the fact that Messi’s return timeline is unknown could impact the team’s strategy and performance in the short term. Fans and the team alike will be watching closely for updates on Messi’s condition, hoping for a swift recovery.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of Lionel Messi’s injury?
A: Lionel Messi is dealing with a minor muscle injury in his right leg.
Q: How did the injury occur?
A: The injury happened during a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa when Messi fell while being challenged by defenders.
Q: Is there a timeline for Messi’s return?
A: As of now, the timeline for Messi’s return is unknown and will depend on how he responds to treatment.
Q: Did Messi show signs of pain after the injury?
A: According to Miami coach Javier Mascherano, Messi wasn’t in any pain after the incident.
Q: How might this injury affect Inter Miami’s upcoming matches?
A: The injury could impact the team’s strategy and performance, especially if Messi is unavailable for an extended period.
