ARGENTINA
Lionel Scaloni gives Lionel Messi injury update ahead of Bolivia game
The Inter Miami captain was substituted during last week’s victory over Ecuador but Lionel Scaloni is hopeful that he can start on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi has travelled to Bolivia for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier, but head coach Lionel Scaloni is unsure if the 36-year-old will be fit to play.
Messi was substituted late on in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Ecuador last week, in which the Argentine captain scored a decisive free kick.
The decision to withdraw Messi with just a one-goal lead sparked concern that he had suffered an injury. Messi has been an ever-present for Inter Miami since making his debut in July, playing 11 games in little over six weeks for the MLS side.
Scaloni warns that Messi is “tired”
There had been a suggestion that Messi would be released from the Argentina squad ahead of the game against Bolivia on Tuesday. Scaloni has now confirmed that Messi has travelled with the team to La Paz, but admitted that he may not be fit to start.
“Leo was tired the other day and asked to be substituted,” Scaloni explained.
“But it’s not needed that we speak to him before matches. We’ll see as it goes.”
The fixture in Bolivia is one of the most gruelling in international football, with the game to be played more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Scaloni has indicated that he wants to name an unchanged team but may be forced to rotate for fitness reasons.
When is Lionel Messi’s next game for Inter Miami?
Argentina take on Bolivia on Tuesday evening, meaning that Messi has four days to recover before Inter Miami’s next MLS fixture.
The Herons head to Atlanta United on Saturday, 16 September to take on the team sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference. Miami managed a dramatic 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City in their first Messi-less game since his arrival. Nevertheless, Miami will be desperate to get their captain back to face Atlanta.
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Inter Miami boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino was asked about the Messi fitness concerns last weekend. The former Barcelona coach said that it “does not seem like anything important” and that he hopes to have Messi back for the trip to Atlanta.
Martino added that Messi’s absence has been an opportunity for other players to get some game time and to contribute to the team.
“We know that on all squads this happens,” Martino explained. “There are players that play a lot more, others that play less that have to take advantage of these types of occasions.”