Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is once again dealing with a leg injury that will leave him on the sidelines for the time being. According to Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Messi won’t be in the lineup when his team faces D.C. United over the weekend.
Messi helped Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, scoring a goal and providing an assist. However, he did all of that in the first half and was forced to leave the pitch just five minutes into the second period.
Speaking with reporters, Martino explained that Messi has “muscle overload” in his right leg and that the team is taking a cautious approach.
“I don’t want to take any risks, but I imagine that he won’t be available for Saturday’s game,” Martino said via ESPN. “That’s the only thing I can say about it now. We’ll have some tests soon, and we’ll see how he feels.”
Messi’s “muscle overload” appears to be an issue that has been around for some time. He was noticed getting treatment in the first leg of the Nashville SC matchup last week while also missing the MLS game against CF Montreal this past weekend.
Messi has five goals and two assists in five games in all competitions this season. Miami is through to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals while also sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference.
