Lionel Messi has suffered a left hamstring issue less than two weeks before Argentina national football team begin preparations for their World Cup title defence this summer. His club, Inter Miami CF, confirmed on Monday that medical tests revealed “an overload associated with muscle fatigue” in the forward’s left hamstring after he was forced off during Sunday’s MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union.
The club disclosed that Messi underwent medical examinations on Monday, believed to include an MRI scan, although no specific procedures were officially confirmed. Inter Miami stated that the timeline for his recovery would depend on how he progresses clinically and physically in the coming days.
Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union after appearing uncomfortable moments earlier. The Argentine star was seen grabbing the back of his left leg before eventually leaving the field unassisted and heading straight to the dressing room. Despite the injury concern, he contributed two assists during the first half of the match.
Heavy rain affected conditions during the second half, making the pitch slippery, though it remains unclear whether the weather contributed to the problem. Inter Miami only confirmed that Messi was withdrawn because of “physical discomfort” during the encounter.
Argentina are scheduled to play two international friendlies ahead of the World Cup, facing Honduras on June 6 in College Station, Texas, before taking on Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama. Both fixtures will be played in large college football stadiums with a combined capacity of nearly 180,000 spectators.
The reigning world champions will compete in Group J at the tournament, where they are set to face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Austria on June 22 in Arlington, Texas, and Jordan on June 27, also in Arlington. Messi, who has featured in five World Cups, remains the only player to have won the Golden Ball award twice first in 2014 and again in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to global glory.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment