Lionel Messi likely missing Inter Miami-Atlanta United match

Soccer

By Mike Rosenstein

Inter Miami CF visits Atlanta United on Saturday in MLS Eastern Conference play, but the game’s biggest star might not be suiting up for the match.

That’s because Lionel Messi, 36, didn’t travel with the team Friday, according to ESPN.

This comes on the heels of him leaving Argentina’s World Cup qualifier last week and not being on the 23-man squad for Wednesday’s match at Bolivia.

After its 3-0 win over Bolivia, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi “was not up to playing … he did not feel comfortable. We did not take risks.”

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said Friday that even though Messi is “fine,” the team is being careful with him because of the club’s packed schedule.

After Saturday in Atlanta, Inter Miami returns home to face Toronto FC on Wednesday.

Messi also has a pair of World Cup qualifiers for Argentina on the calendar for next month.

As for Saturday’s MLS match, Miami has an 0-5-1 record in games it scores only one goal, something which could come into play if Messi is sidelined.

Without Messi in the lineup, Miami will be forced to lean on Leonardo Campana, who has seven goals and two assists this season, and Josef Martinez, who has three goals over the past 10 games.

— With AP.