Why has Messi been missing so many games in the MLS?

By Arslan Saleem April 11, 2024 12:22

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has been noticeably absent from several games in the Major League Soccer (MLS) recently, prompting discussions and speculation among fans and sports analysts.

Messi's Absence in Recent Games

Lionel Messi's absence from recent games in the MLS, particularly during Matchday 4 and the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, has been a point of concern for fans and analysts. Notably, Messi was rested during the 3-2 home loss to CF Montréal on Matchday 4.

Also, he missed the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC due to a shin injury, and despite making an appearance in the second leg against Monterrey, Messi was unable to prevent a 3-1 defeat for Inter Miami CF.

Analysis of Messi's Injuries

Injuries have played a significant role in Messi's absence from MLS games. During the Concacaf Champions Cup Round-of-16 match against Nashville SC, Messi suffered a shin injury, which led to his absence in subsequent games.

Head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed that Messi was dealing with a leg injury, particularly an overload on his right posterior leg, which rendered him unavailable for the subsequent clash against DC United.

Squad Rotation and Resting Players

Inter Miami CF's head coach, Gerardo Martino, has emphasized the importance of squad rotation and resting key players, including Messi, to manage their fitness and workload effectively.

Martino implemented a major squad rotation during the 2024 MLS season, citing the need to rest players like Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets to ensure their fitness and availability for crucial matches, such as the Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures.

"We knew when the season started that Messi was not going to play all games. If he's not playing or we have to replace him, for me it's not just missing out any other player, he's the best player of all time." Inter Miami head coach Martino on Messi missing time.

Impact of Messi's Absence on Inter Miami CF

Messi's absence has undoubtedly had a significant impact on Inter Miami CF's performance in the MLS.

The team suffered a 3-2 home loss to CF Montréal without Messi's presence on Matchday 4, and his absence was also notable in the 3-1 defeat to CF Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The team's performance, particularly in terms of goal-scoring and overall gameplay, has been affected by Messi's absence, highlighting his importance to the team.

Tactical and Strategic Considerations

The absence of Lionel Messi has raised questions about Inter Miami CF's tactical and strategic approach to games, especially in the context of their reliance on a ball-dominant style of play.

With Messi being a key figure in the team's possession-oriented approach, his absence has exposed the team's vulnerabilities and challenges in adapting to different styles of play.

The impact of Messi's absence on the team's overall possession share and gameplay dynamics has been a subject of analysis and discussion among sports analysts.

Comparison with Other Teams and Leagues

Analysts have drawn comparisons between the MLS and Liga MX teams in terms of roster building, tactical styles, and possession-based gameplay.

The differences in approach between the two leagues, particularly regarding possession-oriented strategies, have been highlighted as a factor that may influence the performance of teams like Inter Miami CF, especially in the absence of key players like Messi.

Injury Management and Recovery

The management of Messi's injuries and the decision-making process regarding his availability for games have been critical aspects of his absence from MLS fixtures.

The cautious approach taken by the coaching staff, particularly in prioritizing Messi's recovery and long-term fitness, reflects the team's commitment to managing player injuries effectively.

Head coach Tata Martino's statements about Messi's leg injury and the decision not to risk his participation in subsequent games underscore the importance of injury management in the context of player availability and team performance.

Potential Challenges and Future Considerations

The absence of Lionel Messi has raised questions about the potential challenges that Inter Miami CF may face in the MLS, particularly in light of upcoming fixtures and competitions.

Also, the strategic implications of managing key players' workload and fitness in the pursuit of multiple trophies in 2024 have been highlighted as a key consideration for the coaching staff.

All in all, Lionel Messi's absence from recent MLS games has been influenced by a combination of factors, including injuries, squad rotation, tactical considerations, and the team's strategic approach to game management.

The impact of Messi's absence on Inter Miami CF's performance, tactical dynamics, and overall gameplay has been a subject of analysis and discussion among sports enthusiasts and analysts.

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