Argentina fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Inter Miami and casual fans, not so much, as the latter try to get their money back from the Clásico del Sol. Lionel Messi will sit out tonight's MLS match against Orlando due to a minor bruise he suffered in the previous game.
The Albiceleste star is not taking any risks for his club, Inter Miami, that may deter his Copa America's inclusion. The tournament is just one month away, but the 37-year-old prefers to prioritize rest.
No Messi ball in the Clásico del Sol tonight
Messi picked up the left-leg knock against Montreal in the team's 3-2 victory last Saturday. Some fans are already calling the Argentine legend ‘injury prone', with some periods this season being sidelined. But his latest omission is precautionary, as the player biked and jogged in practice on Monday.
Miami's number 10 has ten goals and a dozen assists in 764 minutes this term—he's the league's second-leading scorer behind teammate Luis Suarez. The Herons have only one win in five games without Messi this season but still sit comfortably atop the MLS Eastern Conference with a five-game win streak.
The team will strive to remain first on the leaderboard when captain Messi leaves for Argentina camp in three weeks.
Photo: x/fcbalbiceleste
