Lionel Messi Injury Update- Return Date Revealed After Missing Orlando City vs Inter Miami

Tonight’s match between Inter Miami and Orlando City ended in a stalemate. It was all square at Inter and Co. stadium as neither side managed to find goals, settling for a single point. But even though the draw halted the Herons’ winning streak, fans are instead eager for injury updates on Lionel Messi, who was absent from the clash. 

Well, the wait is finally over as following the match Tata Martino addressed the elephant in the room. As compiled by journalist Jose Armando on X, the manager said, “Messi was in discomfort, he trained every day what he had agreed upon and in accordance with the discomfort in his knee as a result of the blow. He was uneasy and had studies done, the studies were very good.”

While agreeing that Messi didn’t recover on time, Martino stated that there is finally a positive update on the Argentinian superstar. Notably, concerns were raised about a harsh tackle that the 36-year-old received in the previous fixture against Montreal. Speculations suggested that he sustained a serious knock on his knees. However, Martino’s latest words certainly give a sigh of relief to all the fans. But his absence did cost Miami a lot. 

Even though the Pink side managed to maintain a 59% possession, Orlando dominated the attack in the game. Óscar Pareja’s side managed to get 14 shots on target, twice what Miami did throughout the game. The likes of Luis Suarez, Matias Rojas, and Benjamin Cremaschi failed to find the back of the net, which they successfully did in the previous fixture. Perhaps it’s the special aura that Messi brings to the squad with his presence. Speaking of which, will he return for the next game? 

Will Lionel Messi play the next game for Inter Miami?

According to journalist José Armando on X, Lionel Messi’s absence tonight was not due to a significant injury. Moreover, there is currently no indication that his participation in the Copa America is in jeopardy, which is bound to begin in late June. In fact, he will probably be ready and available for selection in the upcoming weekend clash against DC United. 

These upcoming games give Miami the only window of opportunity to capitalize on the presence of Messi. With the CONCACAF-based tournament set to begin next month, the World Cup winner would be summoned for national duties quite early. For now, Martino and Co. would be focused on deploying him in the next game.