Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s captain, will miss Wednesday’s Leagues Cup encounter against Pumas UNAM due to a slight leg ailment, coach Javier Mascherano said Tuesday.
In the 11th minute of Miami’s Leagues Cup encounter against Necaxa in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Messi clashed with two opponents and suffered a’minor’ leg injury. The team announced on Sunday that Messi’s injury is ‘minor’ but his clearance will rely on his clinical development after his medical examinations.
Tuesday, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano delivered a major update on the forward’s leg injury. He did not confirm Argentina’s football captain’s return.
“I spoke with him yesterday and the club provided a clear release. A slight injury is good “Mascherano added.
We don’t like setting a timeline because of the fuss when Leo misses a game. He’s a great player who rebounds swiftly from injuries.”
Mascherano added that Lionel Messi will miss Wednesday’s Leagues Cup encounter against Pumas.
“Clearly he’ll miss tomorrow’s game, but we’ll watch his progress and bring him back when he’s ready,” Inter Miami’s coach remarked.
Naturally, it’s beneficial for us. The club fought the decision promptly. This verdict confirms our belief that the game was unfair.”
After two Leagues Cup matches, Miami is third with five points, one normal win and one penalty shootout win.
The top four Liga MX clubs and the top four MLS clubs will progress to the quarterfinals.
Miami will play Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup’s final group stage encounter and return to MLS regular season action on August 10 at Orlando City.
