Lionel Messi, the legendary soccer player and Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer, has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide with his move to Major League Soccer (MLS). However, amidst the excitement, there are growing doubts over Messi’s long-awaited turf debut in an NFL stadium, as Inter Miami boss David Beckham sheds light on his potential involvement.
According to reports from Essentially Sports, Messi’s participation in last weekend’smatch at Atlanta United’s home ground, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was uncertain due to concerns regarding the notorious turf surface. The highly influential Inter Miami boss, Beckham, spoke candidly about the situation, hinting at possible risks that Messi’s participation could pose to his long-term fitness.
Tata Martino, the Inter Miami coach, notes that although Messi is physically fine at the moment, there are valid concerns about his vulnerability on artificial turf. The Inter Miami coach further reveals that the decision on Messi’s turf debut will be made based on meticulous discussions with Messi himself, the club’s medical staff, and coaches, ultimately aiming to preserve his physical well-being while satisfying the expectations of eager fans.
????️ Tata Martino on Lionel Messi’s availability vs. Atlanta United:
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 15, 2023
“He is fine, but we are still going to wait until the end of training to make a decision.”
“… We will be careful with him because we have a lot of important games in a short span.”#InterMiamiCF #Messi???? pic.twitter.com/hSKbtXlkmQ
The potential turf debut of Lionel Messi in an NFL stadium has raised eyebrows and sparked a crucial debate within the soccer community. The concerns surrounding the notoriously challenging turf surfaces in American football stadiums have resurfaced, particularly after Messi’s previous bout with injuries related to playing on artificial turf.
Beckham empathizes with the fans’ anticipation and eagerness to see Messi in action, yet remains cautious about exposing the Argentine superstar to potential injury risks. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star acknowledges the need to prioritize Messi’s well-being over immediate excitement, opting for a more cautious approach to ensure his long-term availability.
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