Injury concerns: Will Messi play for Argentina in the friendly against the United States?

Fans of the beautiful game may be disappointed to hear that Lionel Messi may not play for Argentina in the next international friendly.

After the match against El Salvador on March 23rd, Argentina will face Costa Rica four days later on March 26th.

The Argentine missed the most recent Major League Soccer games against Inter Miami and DC United due to a muscular injury. As a result, the player's availability to take part in Albiceleste's trip to the United States during the FIFA window in March is currently in serious doubt.

Despite the Argentine Football Association (AFA) not making any public announcements, local media and fans alike have predicted that the Albiceleste captain will not play on the tour to the United States.

These matches will serve as a warm-up for the next Copa America, where Argentina will defend the title it won in Brazil in 2021.

Argentine fans were hoping to see Messi in action soon. However, Argentine sports newspaper Diario Ore has reported that he may miss subsequent games, so the team may be resting him and hoping he makes a full recovery. unknown.

It was also confirmed that Messi will not be able to play in the friendly due to his injury. Not much is known about the superstar's plans for the two fights. He might stay in Miami or go with his teammates in Argentina.

What did Tata Martino say?

On April 3rd and 10th, Inter Miami will face Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said this for Inter Miami:

“We will continually evaluate what he is doing. His goal is to arrive in time to play in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We don't want to take any risks. is.”

“Beyond today's absence, the injury will need to be managed on a week-to-week basis. We will take advantage of the full week and continue to evaluate.

Regarding issues with the national team, I think it is up to those involved with the national team to speak out. ”

How many games will Messi miss next?

Messi missed two consecutive games against Inter Miami during the 2024 Major League Soccer regular season.

The 36-year-old limped off the field in the 50th minute of Wednesday's CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 match against Nashville.

He particularly struggled with his hamstring, which he suffered in the first of two games against Nashville on March 7.

Martino also said Messi's groin issue, which caused him to miss Inter Miami's preseason match in Hong Kong in February, is separate from his current hamstring issue.

Messi will also be absent from the Herons vs. New York Red Bulls game on March 23rd.

This match will be played within the FIFA international framework. What sets MLS apart from other top-level professional leagues is that it continues to organize matches throughout the league.

Due to his rest, Messi may also miss or play a limited role in Inter Miami's home game against New York City on March 30. Once the Champions Cup quarter-finals are over, Tata Martino's side will play two more MLS regular season games.

Photo credit: IMAGO / SOPA Images