Inter Miami defender Ian Fray suffers third ACL injury in 3 years during Messi’s debut

July 22, 2023 Admin

Inter Miami defender Ian Fray will miss the remainder of the season after injuring his ACL for the third time in three seasons during Friday’s Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul, the MLS side announced Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

Fray went down with a non-contact injury in the 26th minute and required a substitution.
The 20-year-old pounded the grass in frustration and left the field in tears. He refused the stretcher, wanting to limp off with the help of staff.
Friday’s game featured Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut, capped off with his stunning goal off a free kick to give the club a 2-1 win.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Gutting turn of events for Fray

The Florida native has had a brutal last few years. He broke into the Miami second team at 17 and was billed as a player with a potentially big future, but he missed the entirety of both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, tearing his ACL in preseason each year.

Fray broke into the first team this year, appearing in 12 straight games (including eight starts) after coming back from rehabbing both torn ACLs.

After the match, Messi dedicated the win to Fray. — Bogert