Why isn’t Messi playing against Monterrey in the Concachampions match?

The speculation came to an end and just hours before the start of first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, it was announced that Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi will not play tonight against the Rayados de Monterrey.

Although the Argentine great has been progressing favorably from his hamstring injury, returning to training and even participating in group practice on Tuesday, the Inter Miami coaching staff opted not to risk it.

Messi has been training separately from the team throughout this week but it was decided that it was not worth risking a quick return, so the Herons will have to face this first leg of the Concacaf quarterfinals against Monterrey without their talisman.

ESPN has reported that Inter Miami will wait at least one more game before returning their captin to active duty, and even then his return will be gradual.

Messi's return is near

Despite missing tonight’s game against Monterrey, Messi’s return is getting closer and closer, with Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids being a great opportunity for him to get some playing time and aim for the return leg against Monterrey next Wednesday.

Miami will have a tight schedule in which they will play up to a total of 8 games over a 24 day period, a situation which has justified Martino’s decision to not expose to his captain with a too-quick return to action.