Inter Miami on Saturday suffered a 5-2 defeat against Atlanta United. Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were missing from the Inter Miami line-ups as their 12-game unbeaten run came to an end. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino provided an update on the duo after the match and it does not sound too promising.
The 36-year-old had also sat out Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday but he travelled and watched his team-mates from the bench.
Speculation was ripe about Messi missing the game against Atlanta United. The fears of Inter Miami supporters was proven true when Messi’s name neither featured in the starting XI, nor on the bench. The Argentine’s absence was surely felt by the player’s as they slumped to a 5-2 defeat.
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Inter Miami coach revealed that both Messi and Alba were suffering from ‘muscle fatigue’ and the team decided to not take chance.
“They will train tomorrow (Sunday) and we will see day by day. Nothing changes our outlook on how he (Messi) will train. We have no urgency,” said the former Barcelona and Argentina coach.
“If he is well and confident he can get to play and if this doesn’t happen he will wait a few more days,” Martino added.
Miami’s loss was their first in 12 games in all competitions since Messi and Spanish pair Alba and Sergio Busquets joined the team in July.
The defeat puts a dent into Miami’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
“This defeat hurts us and reduces our chances but it is not decisive,” said Martino.
“We started the (playoff) race very far back, we are not going to abandon it but our sights are set on the (Cup final on the) 27th,” he added.
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