Lionel Messi ruled out for Inter Miami vs. DC United. Here’s what we know about his injury


Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts against the Nashville SC during the first half in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match at Chase Stadium on March 13, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will not play Saturday’s game against D.C. United due to a right hamstring injury, the club reaffirmed in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“Messi came off in the 50th minute of Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup win against Nashville SC due to discomfort suffered on his right leg during the match. Following a subsequent medical assessment, it has been determined that the captain has suffered a slight injury in his right hamstring and is expected to miss the away match on March 16 at D.C. United,” the statement said.

“After those matches, Messi’s availability will be determined based on daily medical assessments and the development of his recovery in the coming days.”

Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales said Friday the club was awaiting test results to determine Messi’s injury.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino first mentioned Messi would miss the D.C. United game, following Inter Miami’s advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to risk it, but I would imagine for Saturday’s match he will not be available,” Martino said. “Looking ahead, we’ll evaluate. He’ll get some imaging done. And we’ll see how it develops.”

How to watch Inter Miami vs. D.C. United on Saturday?

Inter Miami and D.C. United kickoff at 2 p.m. Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Apple TV will broadcast the game for free.

WATCH: Inter Miami vs. DC United on Apple TV

TICKETS: See Inter Miami in person vs. DC United

SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store

What injury does Messi have?

Messi left the game with “muscle overload,” which was Martino’s translation from Spanish. Essentially, Messi has been coping with a right hamstring injury.

Messi was seen having his hamstring massaged during the first of two Champions Cup matches against Nashville SC. Messi was also kicked in the left leg, causing his left ankle to twist during that March 7 match.

Messi left the second match against Nashville in the 50th minute for the same injury.

He also rested and did not play in an MLS regular season game against CF Montreal last Saturday.

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United prediction

Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter, USA TODAY: Inter Miami 2, D.C. United 2

No Messi, sure. But his fellow Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and U.S. National Team goalie Drake Callender will likely play for Inter Miami. Just keep an eye on D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who had a hat trick in their season opener and could return from a groin injury to play. Both sides will play to a draw if Inter Miami is engaged enough without Messi.

What is Messi’s upcoming schedule?

Messi is expected to join the Argentina national team for two friendlies that will serve as warmups for this summer’s Copa America. And it’s possible his injury could limit him in both matches.

Argentina will play against El Salvador in Philadelphia on March 22, and against Costa Rica in Los Angeles on March 26, during the FIFA international window.

Messi could miss two Inter Miami games: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls on March 23, when he’ll be with Argentina; and Inter Miami vs. New York City FC on March 30 for rest purposes.

Who does Inter Miami play in Champions Cup quarterfinals?

Inter Miami’s opponent for the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals is set.

Inter Miami will play Liga MX side CF Monterrey, which beat Cincinnati FC 3-1 on aggregate score after their second match late Thursday night.

Here are the dates announced by Concacaf on Friday: Inter Miami to host Monterrey for the first leg on April 3 at 8 p.m. ET. And Inter Miami will visit Monterrey for the second leg on April 10.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami stats

Messi has played in five of six matches Inter Miami has played since the regular season began: Three of four MLS regular season games and two Champions Cup games.

Messi has scored five goals with two assists in his five matches this season with Inter Miami.

When he first joined Inter Miami, Messi scored 11 goals with five assists in 14 appearances last year.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Messi play? Inter Miami vs DC United injury update, how to stream



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