The absence of Argentine star Lionel Messi from his team Inter Miami's training sessions has caused concern in sports circles, after the club officially announced that he suffered a muscle injury that kept him away from group training, which has disrupted the team's technical plans a few days before the start of the new season of the American Football League (MLS).
Details of the injury and the official statement
Inter Miami announced in an official statement on their website that team captain Lionel Messi was unable to participate in Wednesday's training session. The medical staff attributed his absence to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. This injury stems from the physical exertion he underwent during the recent friendly match against Barcelona SC of Ecuador, and the pain has persisted since then, necessitating rest to prevent further complications.
The club did not specify in its statement the exact duration of "The Flea's" absence from the field, indicating that his return to training will be gradual and will depend entirely on his response to the treatment and rehabilitation program set for him by the medical staff.
Postponement of friendlies and adjustment of schedule
As a precautionary measure and a direct result of this injury, the club's management decided to postpone the anticipated friendly match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. The match, originally scheduled for Friday at the Juan Ramón Lubril Stadium, has been rescheduled for the 26th of this month to give the team an opportunity to regroup and assess the readiness of the remaining players.
Messi's impact and the importance of physical readiness
This injury comes at a critical time, with Inter Miami just 10 days away from their MLS opener against a highly anticipated opponent. Messi is the cornerstone of coach Tata Martino's team and the club's entire sporting project. Since joining in the summer of 2013, Messi has revolutionized the team's performance, leading them to their first-ever League Cup title.
Analysts believe the coaching staff will handle this injury with extreme caution, given Messi's age (36) and the team's long-term need for his services throughout the season, not just in the opening matches. Managing the Argentine star's physical workload is considered the biggest challenge facing Inter Miami to ensure they remain competitive for domestic and continental titles this season.
