Lionel Messi has been sidelined indefinitely by Inter Miami after picking up a minor muscle injury during training. The club confirmed that while the injury is not serious, there’s no fixed timeline for his return, raising fresh concerns for fans and stakeholders.
The 38-year-old Argentine star will miss upcoming MLS matches and possibly more, depending on how his recovery goes. This isn’t the first time Messi has faced fitness issues since joining Inter Miami in 2023, but this latest setback comes at a crucial point in the season, with the team pushing for a strong finish.
Messi’s absence will hit Inter Miami hard. So far this season, he’s had a hand in over 60% of the team’s goals. On the field, he pulls defenders, creates chances, and often dictates the game. Off the field, he’s the face of the club, the league’s biggest draw, and the reason ticket sales and global attention exploded.
Without him, manager Tata Martino has a tactical headache. Players like Sergio Busquets, Diego Gómez, and Leonardo Campana will now have to step up. But replicating Messi’s impact — on or off the pitch — is near impossible.
The word “indefinitely” in the club’s statement is raising eyebrows. While the injury might be minor, taking chances with Messi’s fitness at this stage of his career isn’t an option. Inter Miami is expected to be extra cautious, especially with their star player’s long-term availability in mind.
Fans aren’t taking the news lightly. Several have taken to social media to complain, especially those who bought tickets just to see Messi live. Sponsors and TV partners will also be watching closely, as any dip in his availability could affect ratings, revenue, and momentum for the league.
For now, Messi will rest and recover. There’s no panic within the club yet, but there’s no denying that without their captain, Inter Miami will be a very different team.
What Matches Will Inter Miami Play Without Messi?
With Lionel Messi sidelined again due to a muscle injury, Inter Miami faces a tough stretch of games without their star man. Although the club hasn’t given an official timeline for his return, early signs suggest he could miss at least a couple of key fixtures in August.
Here are some games he’s likely to sit out:
- August 4: Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati (MLS)
- August 10: Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC (MLS)
- August 14: U.S. Open Cup Semifinal (if scheduled)
- August 17: New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami (MLS)
- August 21: Inter Miami vs Nashville SC (MLS)
This fixture is part of the rematch from their intense 2023 Leagues Cup final, fans were hoping to see Messi, but his recovery remains the priority.
Depending on his recovery pace, Messi may also miss the August 24 clash against Toronto FC, especially if the medical team takes a cautious approach.
Messi’s current muscle issue adds to a growing list of minor but disruptive injuries since joining MLS.
- March 2024: He suffered a hamstring concern during international duty with Argentina, which kept him out of multiple MLS games and sparked early-season panic among fans.
- September 2023: Messi had a similar muscle fatigue scare, forcing him to miss parts of the U.S. Open Cup and late-season MLS matches. The club insisted it was precautionary, but it showed early signs that his game load was becoming a concern.
These injuries might not be career-threatening, but they’ve been frequent enough to raise questions about his durability in a more physically demanding league with intense travel schedules and varying turf conditions.
As Inter Miami navigates this stretch without their talisman, the spotlight now shifts to the rest of the squad to prove they’re more than just the Messi show. And when he eventually returns, all eyes will be on whether he can stay fit for the business end of the season.
