Messi causes Inter Miami to worry intensely

Before the MLS Cup play-off series, Lionel Messi made a move that unsettled Inter Miami.

Inter Miami started the day with unexpected concern when Lionel Messi missed training right before the first leg of the MLS Cup play-off against Nashville SC. However, initial worries quickly eased after updates on the Argentine superstar’s condition were released.

According to the Argentine outlet Ole, Messi skipped training as a precaution due to mild back discomfort, but the issue was not serious. Barring any further problems, he is expected to return to full team training in the upcoming sessions.

This implies that Inter Miami’s captain is likely to be ready for the clash with Nashville, providing a major boost for coach Javier Mascherano. Besides Messi, the Argentine coach also has key players like Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets at his disposal.

Despite being 38 years old, Messi continues to play at a demanding pace. Within just seven days, he completed three full matches: against Atlanta United (October 12) and Nashville SC (October 19) in MLS, with a friendly for Argentina versus Puerto Rico (October 15) in between.

Messi played the entire 90 minutes in all three games, scoring five goals in total, including a hat-trick against Nashville and a brace versus Atlanta, plus two assists while representing La Albiceleste.

Thanks to this outstanding run of form, Messi finished the MLS season with 29 goals, thereby claiming the Golden Boot, surpassing Denis Bouanga (LAFC) and Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), who both scored 24 goals.

The Argentine superstar is also a top contender for the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive year. If honored again, he will become the first player in the league’s history to win this award twice in a row.

Recently, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was named MLS Player of the Month for October due to his brilliant recent performances. This accolade adds to Messi’s extensive collection since joining MLS. It marks the third time in the 2025 season he has received Player of the Month honors, and the fifth time since arriving in North America.

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