The world held its breath Thursday night as Lionel Messi suffered what looked like a season-ending injury against Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The incident occurred in the second half when Nashville defender Lukas MacNaughton clipped Messi's left leg upon a ball clearance. Thankfully, the accidental collision, in which MacNaugton's studs appeared to break Messi's leg, looked worse than it was.
While the GOAT fell to the ground and winced in pain, he carried on as he had countless times in his 20-year professional career. After receiving medical help, Messi returned and finished the match.
Twenty minutes earlier, Messi initiated his team's comeback with an outside-the-box goal in the 52nd minute. It marked the club's first goal in CONCACAF Champions Cup history.
Newly signed recruit Luis Suarez buried the equalizing header in stoppage time to earn the Herons the draw. It was the Uruguayan's third strike in just four games with the side — he also has four assists.
âLeo Messi finished the game well. There is no injury. He felt a little fatigue towards the end, but everything is fine,” head coach Tata Martino relayed after the match. The second leg takes place on March 14 at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale.
And thank goodness. Football fans, especially Argentinians, are ever closer to seeing their No. 10 hero suit up again in the Copa America and, potentially, the Olympics this summer.
Photo: x/joshua_ubeku
