Lionel Messi injury update: Inter Miami boss Tata Martino shares why Argentine was removed in 49th minute of their CONCACAF Champions Cup victory over Nashville SC

Speaking postgame after their 3-1 (5-3 aggregate) victory over Nashville SC, Martino shared that the Argentine is likely to be a doubt this weekend when the Herons take on D.C. United. Messi was subbed off in the 49th minute of the match, having already scored a goal and provided an assist in the first half of the game.

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"He is overloaded on the right posterior (leg). We don't want to run a risk. We tried to see if he could go for a little longer, but it was bothering him. I imagine that for Saturday's game [against D.C. United] he is not going to be available."

The Miami Herald's Michelle Kaufman reports that the injury sustained is a hamstring strain. Ahead of two international friendlies with Argentina starting next week, the Herons talisman's status for both club and country is now seemingly up in the air.

He recently missed Inter Miami's shocking 3-2 loss to CF Montreal due to what Martino described as 'rest' for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, but many suspected it was due to a shin injury that had him listed as questionable on the club's injury report just hours before the match.

Last Fall, when Messi was sidelined with a "scar tissue flare-up", he missed four matches for Inter Miami. The Herons went winless in the six matches - across all competitions - that followed. In 2024, their one match without the Argentine is currently their only loss across all competitions.

The Herons are back in action at the weekend against D.C. United and ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, but Messi is likely a doubt for the match. It's unknown how serious the injury sustained is, but he is set to be sidelined for at least a week and now could end up missing out on the forthcoming international break with Argentina.