Tata Martino has issued his verdict on if Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami tonight against CF Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Heron’s captain has missed the last four MLS games for Inter Miami with Messi picking up a hamstring injury last month that forced the forward to also miss Argentina’s international fixtures.
With tonight’s clash against Monterrey viewed as the match that Messi will return to action, reports have suggested that the 36-year-old could be out for even longer for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami manager predicts if Lionel Messi will play vs Monterrey
And speaking to the Miami Herald, manager Martino issued a less than convincing update on whether or not Messi will play tonight for the Florida franchise against Monterrey.
Given how important the Champions Cup is for Inter Miami this season, Messi missing tonight’s opening leg could have huge consequences for the Herons in their quest to win the competition.
Martino said when asked yesterday about Messi’s chances of playing against Monterrey tonight: “We still have 24 hours to make the decision.
“Leo has had an injury, we have been managing that, and even though it is a very important game for us tomorrow, it is only early April and we don’t want to take any unnecessary risk. We have to see what is best for Leo and from there we will make the correct decision.”
Lionel Messi can’t be risked despite lengthy absence
It’s been well over three weeks since Messi’s last appearance for Inter Miami, with the Argentine not playing an MLS game since the start if March for the Herons.
With Martino and his staff finally discovering that Messi needs to be rested when needed, such time off might give off the idea that the forward might be fit enough to feature tonight against Monterrey.
However, given the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s fitness based off Martino’s comments, the 36-year-old can’t be risked if he isn’t 100% fit, even if tonight is as big as it comes for Inter Miami.