Lionel Messi will miss the crucial competition cup match of Inter Miami against Pumas Unam because of a muscle problem, said coach Javier Mascherano on Tuesday.
The Argentinian striker suffered from what Mascherano called a «small muscle injury» in his upper right leg in the victory of Miami over Necaxa last Saturday.
Although there is no time schedule for the return of Messi, Mascherano was hopeful that the star would soon be back on the field.
«Within the bad news it is good news,» Mascherano told reporters.
«He usually recovers very well from injuries and mainly does it normally with speed, so we will see it. But it is clear for tomorrow not available. But then we will see how he feels, how he progresses,» he added.
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Messi, who has a competition-best goals in MLS competitions this season, led Miami to the Leagues Cup Crown in 2023 shortly after his arrival at De Herons.
Inter Miami probably needs a victory over Pumas in his group final to reach the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, with MLS and Mexican competition -squadrons.
If Miami reaches the knockout phase, Messi would have two weeks to recover for the quarterfinals.
The next MLS match of Miami is planned for Sunday against Orlando
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