Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, recently made headlines for not participating in a match against Atlanta United. This absence raised questions among fans and football enthusiasts about the reason behind Messi’s non-involvement in the game. In this article, we delve into the details of why the Argentine superstar didn’t play and what this means for his club, Inter Miami.
Why Lionel Messi Missed the Match Against Atlanta: A Closer Look
Lionel Messi’s absence from the match against Atlanta United was primarily due to discomfort resulting from a minor injury. While he didn’t feature in the game, he was present on the sidelines, sitting in the dugout with the team. Despite Messi’s absence, the azure-white jersey holders secured a victory without much difficulty.
Resting for Inter Miami
After missing the match against Bolivia due to a minor injury, Messi continued his rest period, this time for Inter Miami. He chose not to travel with the team for the match against Atlanta United, which took place on a different city’s artificial grass field.
Coach Gerardo Tata Martino provided insights into Messi’s absence, assuring fans that the injury wasn’t severe. Instead, Messi was dealing with some discomfort and fatigue. Consequently, he opted not to take to the field for the first time this season.
Injury to Right Hamstring
According to Argentinian news outlet TYC Sports, Lionel Messi’s injury was reported to be in his right hamstring. This injury not only caused him to miss the World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia but also impacted his participation in club football matches. It’s even suggested that he may sit out the match against Toronto on September 20, which will be played at the DRV PNK Stadium, the team’s home ground.
Looking Ahead: The US Open Cup Final
The decision to rest Lionel Messi can be primarily attributed to Inter Miami’s upcoming US Open Cup final match against Houston Dynamo, scheduled for September 27. Coach Tata Martino aims to have Messi in top form for this significant fixture, as he played a pivotal role in securing the Leagues Cup trophy for the club, marking their first title in history.
Playoff Aspirations for Inter Miami
In the ongoing MLS season, Inter Miami’s prospects for making the playoffs appear uncertain. The team faced consecutive losses before Messi joined their ranks. However, there’s still a chance for Miami to secure a playoff spot if they can manage to win every remaining game, and they’ve already proven that they can secure victories without Messi on the pitch.
Lionel Messi‘s Impact on Inter Miami
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has been in exceptional form, scoring an impressive 11 goals in just 11 matches wearing Miami’s jersey. While he experienced brief goal droughts against Nashville and Los Angeles, Messi’s return to training in Miami after the international break signifies his dedication to making an impact in the upcoming matches.
In conclusion, Messi’s absence against Atlanta United was primarily a strategic decision aimed at ensuring his full fitness and readiness for the US Open Cup final. As one of the most iconic footballers in the world, his presence on the field can be a game-changer, and Inter Miami aims to capitalize on his skills and expertise as they pursue further success in the upcoming matches.
