According to a report, the Herons superstar could miss the upcoming international window, while Martino wants to take ‘no risks.’
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Argentine sports newspaper Diario Olé, the Herons talisman could miss out due to the right hamstring injury he suffered in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup victory over Nashville SC. The same injury kept him out of their Saturday victory over D.C. United, that saw Luis Suarez come off the bench to score a brace.
Tata Martino delivered an update on Messi postgame, though, and it appears the Herons’ boss wants to take ease hi back.
WHAT TATA MARTINO SAID
“We’ll continuously evaluate what he’s doing. The objective is for him to arrive to be able to play in the quarterfinals of Concacaf Champions Cup. We don’t want to take a risk,” Martino said.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Argentina’s two international friendlies this March will be against El Salvador and the Nigeria national team, with contests respectively on the 21st and the 26th. The Herons, however play straight-through the international break as MLS doesn’t stop during the FIFA window.
Martino’s comments revealed that Miami wants their Argentine superstar to be ready for their CONCACAF Champions Cup match against CF Monterrey on Tuesday, April 2. Until then, it’s unknown whether or not he will be playing on the international stage next week or rehabbing at the training ground.
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?
It will be the decision making process of whether or not he plays for Argentina, and whether or not he travels with his squad even if he does not play. The Herons want him to take it easy and push for 100% health, but, could the draw of representing his country again be too much?
