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- Heading Into The Lions Den
Heading Into The Lions Den
+ Messi Gets Scanned
courtesy of Inter Miami CF
LAST MATCH: Miami 4 - Toronto 0
NEXT MATCH: vs. Orlando City, Sunday, September 24th, 7:39 PM EST
WHERE TO WATCH: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Good morning! Inter Miami heads into the Lion’s Den as they prepare to take on rivals Orlando City on Sunday. The Herons will be without talisman Lionel Messi and starting left-back Jordi Alba, both out due to muscle fatigue/injuries.
With the US Open Cup Final just around the corner, players will be careful not to injure themselves before an important cup match.
In the email today:
🤕 Messi Undergoes Scans
🦁 Orlando City Preview
🫡 Messi Gets Real!
📊 Poll: Do You Believe The Inter Miami Training Staff Rushed Messi And Alba Too Fast?
🔗 Link Roundup
1) 🤕 Messi Undergoes Scans, Comes Back Negative
According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Messi underwent scans yesterday to determine just how severe his lingering muscle injury is.
Just hours later, though, the tests came back negative - giving Miami hope that the 36-year-old will be able to play in the US Open Cup Final.
Leo Messi no tiene lesión. Fue la fatiga que arrastraba en el posterior de la pierna derecha.
Martino adelantó que no va a jugar el fin de semana y va a descansar para la final de la US Open Cup.— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul)
9:50 PM • Sep 21, 2023
Translation: “Leo Messi has no injury. It was fatigue in the back of his right leg. Martino said he will not play this weekend and will rest for the US Open Cup final.”
The World Cup winner was substituted off the pitch in the 37th minute during Miami’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC. After the game, head coach Tata Martino touched on the injury and how the club will manage it in the coming days.
"He had an old injury that bothered him. We don't think it's a muscle injury. But it's something we'll keep an eye on."
Both Messi and Alba won’t be playing in Sunday’s game against Orlando.
The team has a US Open Cup Final in five days.
According to several reports, the injury Messi suffered has been something that he’s been dealing with on and off throughout his career.
Our take: There is a feeling that both Alba and Messi won’t make the final on Wednesday. Even with the negative scans, the club must take the utmost precaution for the Argentinian and nurse Alba back to full health.
2) 🦁 Orlando City Preview
On Sunday, Miami will take on cross-state rivals Orlando City. The Lions are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 50 points through 29 matches played.
The Herons will hope that they can pull off a good result even without the help of Messi and Alba.
Orlando has won three out of their last five games, clinching a spot in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs in the process.
Miami will be without Messi and Alba, but with players like Facundo Farias, Leo Campana, and Robert Taylor in good form, there is hope on the attacking end.
If Miami wins, this will be their fifth win of all time in the head-to-head series.
Our take: Miami will head into this game looking to win. However, it won’t be easy. Orlando is in good form and playing at their home turf - Exploria Stadium will be fairly intimidating.
3) 🫡 Messi Gets Real!
🚨 Messi talks about PSG and his experience there after the World Cup (English subtitles)
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk)
3:26 PM • Sep 21, 2023
Messi recently gave an interview with comedian/actor Miguel Granados where he chatted about a myriad of topics including life in Miami, his time at PSG, and his sons playing with Inter Miami’s Academy.
4) 📊 Poll: Do You Believe The Inter Miami Training Staff Rushed Messi And Alba Too Fast?
Were Messi and Alba Rushed Back Too Quickly?Choose one: |
Have additional thoughts? Reply directly to this email to comment, and see if we include your response tomorrow.
Results from our last poll Will Messi and Alba Be Fit For The US Open Cup Final? 83% believe the duo will be fit and ready to play.
5) 🔗 Link Roundup:
🇫🇮 For their stunning performances against Toronto FC, Robert Taylor and Facundo Farias listed on MLS’ Team of the Matchday!
🚀 Taylor and Farias alongside teammate Benjamin Cremaschi were also nominated for Goal of the Matchday.
💢 FIFA and the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, the Kroenke family, clash over the terms of an agreement to be a host venue for the 2026 World Cup.
The newsletter today was written by: Alex Windley @aaw_1998
Thanks for reading! Catch you on the flip side!