Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino has explained his shock decision to take Lionel Messi off in the 49th minute of their CONCACAF Champions Cup win in the early hours of Thursday morning.
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After missing Inter Miami’s recent 3-2 defeat in the MLS to CF Montreal, the 36-year-old returned to action for the Herons as they beat Nashville SC 3-1 at home to progress to the quarter-final stage of the Champions Cup.
Messi assisted Luis Suarez’s early opener before getting on the scoresheet himself 15 minutes later, but his night ended just four minutes after the break when he was replaced by Robert Taylor.
Speaking post-match, head coach Martino explained that the discomfort the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was feeling in his right leg meant he could not continue.
"He is overloaded on the right posterior (leg)," he said, according to Goal.
"We don't want to run a risk. We tried to see if he could go for a little longer, but it was bothering him.
"I imagine that for Saturday's game (against DC United) he is not going to be available"
Messi has scored five goals in as many matches this season so far for the Herons, while he has registered two assists.
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His fitness issues of late could be a cause for concern for Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni ahead of the 2024 Copa America set to begin in June.
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