The Argentinian has been out since the Copa America final
Leo Messi is (or was) close to making his comeback after injuring himself in the Copa America final on July 14.
Since then, he hasn’t played a single match. Just as everyone was expecting the Argentine star to make his long-awaited debut this coming weekend for Inter Miami, a throat infection has cast doubt on his return.
For the first time in his 20-year career, Lionel has gone two months without playing a match due to an ankle injury.
This setback also kept him out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Messi had returned to training before the international break, preparing for his MLS debut, which seemed imminent.
However, his absence from Wednesday’s session raised concerns, which were later alleviated when it was revealed that it was due to a throat infection.
Inter Miami’s next home game is this Saturday, September 14, against the Philadelphia Union, but Messi’s presence is uncertain, even on the bench.
Inter Miami has already secured a spot in the playoffs and is the clear leader of the Eastern Conference… despite the absence of the star player.
Messi left off Ballon d’Or list
After winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or as he helped Argentina to a famous World Cup win in 2022, Messi was left off the 2024 list of Ballon d’Or nominees.
Messi has won the award a record eight times, but is not among he 30 players in the running to be crowned soccer’s best player on October 28.
Long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo was also left off the shortlist, which contains likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
source:marca.com
