Tata Martino, acknowledging Inter Miami’s playoff miss, has stated that Lionel Messi is unlikely to feature in MLS for the remainder of this season. Miami’s campaign effectively came to a close with a 1-0 loss to Cincinnati, leaving them with no further matches in 2023.

Despite making efforts to recover from injury for the game, Messi only played for 35 minutes after coming off the bench, marking the end of his debut MLS season on a disappointing note. The Argentine superstar had been absent for their previous four matches due to a muscle issue picked up during last month’s 4-0 victory against Toronto, including the US Open Cup final loss to Houston Dynamo.

Miami coach Martino has indicated that Messi won’t be taking part in the two remaining regular-season MLS matches to err on the side of caution.

Following his appearance and two goals for Argentina in a 2-0 victory over Peru on Tuesday, Messi will not be included in Wednesday’s match against Charlotte at DRV PNK Stadium. The final game of Miami’s season will be against the same team in North Carolina this Saturday.

Martino explained, ‘Upon their return on Thursday, we will assess not only Leo but all players who have been on international duty. Since we are not in the playoffs, we want to avoid any unnecessary risks.’

“We are committed to giving our all in every match, as it is our duty to conclude the season on a high note,” he emphasized.

“In many ways, we are driven to elevate the team’s overall performance, especially when reflecting on our recent outings. We believe in showcasing our best on the field, leaving a lasting impression for our fans and supporters.”

“Furthermore, this phase holds particular importance for the coaching staff. With the return of key players who have been sidelined for a while, we have a chance to evaluate their form and contribution. These games serve as a valuable platform for us to not only plan for the remainder of this season but also make informed decisions in preparation for the next one.”