Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Inter Miami vs DC United MLS 2024 Match? Here’s the Possibility of LM10 Featuring in Starting XI
After a small setback in mid-season, Inter Miami is gaining some momentum in Major League Soccer. They will face the DC United next at the Chase Stadium. Check out the possibility of Lionel Messi playing in the fixture.
This Sunday, DC United will face Inter Miami at the Chase Stadium in Miami. DC United is currently in eighth position in the Eastern Conference after losing to NY Red Bulls, while Inter Miami leads the Supporters' Shield standings after a goal-less draw against Orlando City SC. The side missed creativity in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was nursing his injury. After being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this month, Miami is now focused on winning the MLS Cup for the first time. Napkin Signed By Lionel Messi That Sealed His Barcelona Move Sells for $965,000; Confirms British Auction House Bonhams.
Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami team held the top position for most of the season and boosted strong offence, scoring 35 goals – most in the league in 14 matches. Although Luis Suarez leads the team with 11 goals in the season so far, a major contributor to their offensive gameplay is clearly Lionel Messi, who has 19 goal contributions (10 goals and nine assists) so far. Interestingly the Argentine superstar played fewer games than the rest of the league leaders. The 2022 World Cup winner suffered multiple injuries during the ‘packed’ schedule and had to play in selective matches to stay fit for the club and even upcoming national duty. After missing the last game, the question arises whether Lionel Messi will start or even play in against DC United at Chase Stadium.
Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in the Inter Miami vs DC United MLS 2024 Match?
Inter Miami is a different side with and without Lionel Messi. With Messi, the Herons are unbeaten with seven wins in nine matches, while without their captain the side won one and drew two games in five matches. Looking at his impact on the field, Tata Martino prefers to keep his star attacker fresh till the end of the season. La Pulga missed Thursday’s goalless draw at Orlando City with a knee issue – which was again a precautionary ‘rest’ and Martino will be optimistic about using Messi against DC United at home. Lionel Messi’s Annual Pay Surpasses Payrolls of Most Major League Soccer Teams, Earns $20.4 Million Per Season at Inter Miami.
In a recent interview, the Argentine tactician mentioned that the team trained well on Friday. He also added, "There was no intention of resting him. He was feeling well, but then suffered the injury and could not manoeuvre well with his leg, it bothered him. Yesterday, the injury still bothered him. Touch to the zone was bothersome."
Either way, we can expect Messi to start if he receives a green signal form the medical staff and play through the first half to give his side an early edge in the match, but expecting a full 90 minutes from him would be heavy ask. He may have different partners upfront in the second half and an all-new midfield to play with.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2024 03:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).