Lionel Messi left the pitch midway during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, raising injury concerns among fans, with the FIFA World Cup few weeks away. However, the club has ruled out any serious injury for the Argentina superstar.
When the 38-year-old had to leave the field there were concerns that the forward may have suffered a hamstring injury before the defending champions Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 17. But Inter Miami’s statement has come as a big relief for the fans.
Inter Miami on Monday confirmed that Messi had to leave the field because of “physical discomfort.” The club said initial medical tests showed that he is dealing with “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.”
The update came as a big relief for fans, as the club clarified that Messi has not suffered a serious hamstring injury.
“Inter Miami CF’s captain had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” the statement read.
The club also said that Messi’s return will depend “on his clinical and functional progress.”
For those unfamiliar, a hamstring overload is different from a hamstring tear or strain, though all three are related. The good news is that an overload injury is usually less serious and recovery is much faster compared to a tear or strain.
Hamstring overloads are often caused by heavy workload in a short period of time or not getting enough recovery time.
