Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Goal and Escapes Injury in Nashville vs. Miami – Major League Soccer Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Goal and Escapes Injury in Nashville vs. Miami – Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Goal and Escapes Injury in Nashville vs. Miami – Major League Soccer

March 8, 2024

Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Goal and Escapes Injury in Nashville vs. Miami – Major League Soccer

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Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling strike to ignite Inter Miami’s comeback after they were down 2-0 against Nashville in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 clash. Despite the thrilling performance, Messi narrowly avoided a serious injury.

Nashville’s Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice—once within four minutes of the start and again shortly after halftime—putting the home team in a strong position at GEODIS Park. Messi’s brilliant goal came after a series of skillful plays, with Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez combining in the final moments to secure a 2-2 draw.

The highlight of the match was Messi’s exquisite finish. After defender Nicolas Freire advanced up the field and found Diego Gomez, Gomez’s deft touch set up Suarez, who then laid the ball off to Messi. Messi curled a beautiful shot from outside the box into the net with his trademark left foot, bringing his season tally to four goals in as many games as he continues to pursue another major trophy in his storied career.

Messi Faces Major Injury Scare After Clash with MacNaughton

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Lionel Messi experienced a significant injury scare during the match’s second half after a challenging encounter with Nashville’s Lukas MacNaughton. The first half had been relatively uneventful for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Still, the second half was filled with drama, including goal celebrations, a heated exchange with the referee, and a tense moment with Nashville’s Anibal Godoy.

Twenty-five minutes after scoring an equalizer, Messi found himself in a precarious situation when MacNaughton’s right boot struck his calf while clearing the ball. The 36-year-old forward, visibly in pain, needed several minutes to recover. However, his resilience was evident as he continued to play, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Although Messi was later seen smiling and walking without apparent difficulty, having hydrated and spoken to a Nashville player, he was visibly frustrated with the referee’s decision not to issue a caution. The Athletic reported that Messi told Nashville defender Shaq Moore that MacNaughton had gone “studs up” on him.

The collision looked potentially severe, but Messi avoided a serious injury. Earlier in the match, he had also received treatment from a staff member, who massaged the back of his right leg above the knee.

Considering the potential risk of injury and the importance of his role, 

Messi Might Need to Take a Break for the Upcoming Games

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His absence could significantly impact Inter Miami’s performance, making it a crucial decision for the team’s management.

Inter Miami’s undefeated streak in this season is a source of pride and optimism for the team and its fans. The team’s strong performance so far bodes well for their future games.

However, Messi finished the game. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino eased concerns in the post-game press conference by implying that Messi was “fatigued” and “tired.”

“Leo [Messi] finished the game. He’s tired. He’s fatigued. That’s why he was getting massages. But he is fine.”

Nevertheless, Martino and the company might take preventative steps to release additional strain on the Argentine’s left peg and give him a break ahead of their upcoming games. A series of circumstances could result in Messi being injured for Inter Miami’s game against CF Montreal on Sunday. Messi’s team is currently winning their tests against Montreal, so it would be ideal to rest the 180-cap star ahead of their match. They have two wins and two draws under their belt.

Lionel Messi Games in March

DATEGAMECOMPETITION
02/03/24Inter Miami 5 – 0 OrlandoMLS
07/02/24Nashville 2 – 2 Inter MiamiCONCACAF Champions Cup
10/02/24Inter Miami – MontrealMLS
14/02/24Inter Miami – NashvilleCONCACAF Champions Cup
16/02/24DC United – Inter MiamiMLS
23/02/24NY Red Bulls – Inter MiamiMLS
23/02/24Argentina – El SalvadorCopa America warmup
27/02/24Argentina vs Costa RicaCopa America warmup
30/02/24Inter Miami – NYCFCMLS

This is especially true considering that the Herons still have five games left in March, one of which is a rematch with Nashville. Messi’s schedule now reads seven matches in 21 days, which should cause even more anxiety. Argentina has also chosen him to play in two Copa America warmups, against Costa Rica in Los Angeles and El Salvador in Philadelphia.

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.