Messi called up for Argentina despite missing 4 Miami games
Lionel Messi has controversially been called up to Argentina’s squad for their upcoming internationals despite injury keeping him out of Inter Miami’s last four games.
The 36-year-old has been nursing a troublesome muscular injury since returning to his club from national team duty last month. Although the forward enjoyed a sterling start to his spell with the MLS franchise, he has now managed just 37 minutes in the Herons’ past six outings.
His fitness problems first emerged during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador on September 8 in which he was withdrawn late on after scoring the winner. Complaining of fatigue, he was unable to train following the victory and subsequently missed his country’s 3-0 win over Bolivia.
Despite his injury causing him to miss every game bar one since Ecuador, it has not stopped Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni from picking him, however. Their talisman has been called up as the World Cup holders continue their qualification campaign with against Paraguay and Peru.
READ ALSO UCL: Atletico Madrid set Quarterfinal target
Messi had just under two months off following the conclusion of a long European club season with Paris Saint-Germain this summer. In all, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner played 48 games across the 2022-23 season, which was interrupted by the World Cup in Qatar during the winter, where Argentina were memorably crowned champions.
READ ALSO CAF congratulates Morocco and its partners over 2030 W/Cup
Following on from that, he led Miami on a triumphant run in the Leagues Cup, supplying seven goals in 10 games en route to winning his first trophy with the team. However, it appears that his exploits have caught up with him in the past month following a congested schedule.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Vice City’s 4-1 defeat against the Chicago Fire in Messi’s absence, head coach Tata Martino confirmed that his captain’s fitness is still being monitored.