Tata Martino has provided an injury update on Lionel Messi after the forward returned to action for Inter Miami last weekend against the Colorado Rapids.
The Argentine superstar ended almost a month out on the sideline to come off the bench on Saturday in MLS action, with Messi scoring in what was to be a 2-2 draw for Inter Miami.
With Inter Miami taking on CF Monterrey tonight in Mexico, excitement has been building over whether Messi will start this evening against the Liga MX giants in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Tata Martino provides Lionel Messi injury update
And speaking to the Miami Herald, Martino revealed that Messi is feeling good, with the Inter Miami coach hinting that the forward’s hamstring injury is now behind him.
The 36-year-old attacker looked lively against the Colorado Rapids, and heading into tonight’s game, Messi’s fitness will be paramount if Inter Miami are to get a result.
Indeed, the Herons’ Champions Cup run rests solely on if their star players can remain injury-free, and Messi will hope to start tonight and come away without any more fitness issues.
Martino said: “He felt good after playing 45 minutes [vs Colorado], so apparently the injury is behind him, which is the most important thing because our season is just beginning.”
Inter Miami need to hope Lionel Messi can stay fit
Messi’s fitness has been a major concern ever since the Argentine forward joined Inter Miami last summer, with nearly two decades of constant soccer finally catching up with the attacker.
Whilst Messi is still one of the best players on the planet, it’s clear that fitness issues will remain a constant problem for the Herons throughout the attacker’s career in Florida.
And against Monterrey, Messi will hope he can survive the game unscathed, especially with Inter Miami counting on the reigning Ballon d’Or holder’s talents to overturn this 2-1 deficit.