Why isn’t Messi playing against Monterrey in the Concachampions match?

The Argentine star has been ruled out of the Inter Miami squad for their duel against the Rayados de Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaJeffrey MayJeff_DiarioASEstados UnidosUpdate: Apr 3rd, 2024 22:21 EDT0

CHRIS ARJOONAFP

The speculation came to an end and just hours before the start of first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, it was announced that Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi will not play tonight against the Rayados de Monterrey.

Although the Argentine great has been progressing favorably from his hamstring injury, returning to training and even participating in group practice on Tuesday, the Inter Miami coaching staff opted not to risk it.

Messi has been training separately from the team throughout this week but it was decided that it was not worth risking a quick return, so the Herons will have to face this first leg of the Concacaf quarterfinals against Monterrey without their talisman.

ESPN has reported that Inter Miami will wait at least one more game before returning their captin to active duty, and even then his return will be gradual.

🚨Gaston Edul: Messi will not play tonight. He has reached the last stage of recovery and they do not want to risk him. ✅ pic.twitter.com/kuCUqjJZUI

— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) April 3, 2024

Messi’s return is near