Messi injury reports disputed by Inter Miami coach Martino

 Messi injury reports disputed by Inter Miami coach Martino

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino has disputed reports that Lionel Messi has sustained a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the rest of the MLS season.

A report from the Inter Miami Podcast claimed that Messi had suffered a 2cm hamstring tear, but Martino dismissed this as incorrect in his post-match press conference following Inter Miami's 1-1 draw with New York City FC on Saturday.

"Time will tell whether what I am saying is true or whether that person who made the report is right," Martino said. "It is what it is. Leo is in perfect condition. He trained today and will train tomorrow. He will be available for the next match."

Messi has been in sensational form since joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in just 15 appearances. His absence would be a major blow to Inter Miami's hopes of making the MLS playoffs.

It is unclear why Messi was not involved in the squad for Saturday's match against New York City FC, but Martino's comments suggest that he is not carrying a serious injury.

Inter Miami's next match is against FC Dallas on Wednesday, October 5. It remains to be seen whether Messi will be involved in that match, but Martino's comments suggest that he is hopeful of having his star player available.

Analysis

It is difficult to say definitively whether Messi is injured or not, given that Martino has not provided any specific details about his condition. However, the fact that Martino has disputed the reports of a hamstring tear suggests that the injury is not as serious as some had feared.

If Messi is able to return to action in the near future, it will be a huge boost for Inter Miami's playoff hopes. The team has looked much more dangerous with Messi in the side, and his absence would be a major blow.

However, it is important to be cautious about Messi's injury. Hamstring injuries can be notoriously tricky to recover from, and it is possible that Messi could suffer a relapse if he is rushed back into action.

Martino will need to carefully manage Messi's workload in the coming weeks and months in order to ensure that he stays fit and healthy for the remainder of the season.