Huge blow for Lionel Messi & Inter Miami! Argentine playmaker Facundo Farias ruled out of entire 2024 MLS season after heartbreaking ACL injury blow

The 21-year-old playmaker joined the Herons in the same summer of 2023 as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to DRV PNK Stadium. He has made senior Argentina squads, while being yet to make his debut, and is considered to be a hot prospect for the future.

It is, however, looking like Farias will not be seen in competitive action again until 2025. That is because Inter Miami have delivered an agonising injury update on the club’s official website. The MLS outfit have said: “Farias suffered an injury to his left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) on Friday, January 19 against the El Salvador national team at the Estadio Cuscatlan. The Argentinian will undergo a surgery at Baptist Health in the coming weeks and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.”

Farias fell awkwardly during Inter Miami’s first pre-season friendly of 2024. He was caught by a tackle from behind during a 0-0 draw with El Salvador. He has damaged knee ligaments before, back in 2022 while on the books at Colon, and faces another long road to recovery.

His absence represents a blow to Inter Miami and head coach Tata Martino, with the Lionel Messi-led outfit hoping to challenge for major honours in 2024. According to The Athletic, the Florida-based franchise are now set to step up their interest in River Plate midfielder Agustin Palavecino – a player they are looking to take on loan.