Inter Miami will face New York City FC this Saturday in a crucial match for their aspirations to qualify for the MLS playoffs. However, to their dismay, the Miami team will once again have to do without their star, Lionel Messi, due to injury. This will be the third consecutive absence for Messi, who was also unable to play last day against Orlando City and in the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo, which ended in a defeat for Inter.
The team’s coach, ‘Tata’ Martino, has explained that Messi’s absence is due to muscle fatigue and discomfort from an old injury in his right leg, ruling out a serious injury. Despite the uncertainties about Messi’s physical condition, the team is confident in his recovery for the next few days, including the important confrontation against the Chicago Fire.
In the absence of Messi, the young Argentine Facundo FarÃas will take over in attack, along with the Ecuadorian Leonardo Campana. This situation represents a significant challenge for Inter Miami, as they are currently in 14th position, five points behind New York City FC, which occupies the final playoff qualification spot in the Eastern Conference. With only a few games left in the regular season, each match becomes crucial for Inter Miami in their quest to reach the playoffs and prove their worth in the league.