FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi was notably absent from Inter Miami’s match against Cavalier FC during their CONCACAF Champions Cup Group of 16 home game on Thursday night. The forward superstar, now 37 years old, sat out for the second game in a row, following his absence from Sunday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Houston.
Despite his absence from the game, Messi engaged in practice sessions with the team on both Tuesday and Wednesday as they prepared for the first leg of the home-and-home series against Cavalier. On Wednesday, Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, assured fans that the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient was not dealing with any injuries. He mentioned that Messi’s readiness for the game was on par with other active team members.
Inter Miami is undergoing a demanding schedule, with four matches set over the course of 11 days. Following Thursday’s match, the team is poised to resume their league play against Charlotte on Sunday. Shortly thereafter, they will confront Cavalier once more in the second leg of the series, scheduled for March 13 in Kingston, Jamaica.
