Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni stated that Lionel Messi wasn’t fit enough to play against Bolivia as the superstar “didn’t even try” in training due to injury.
The Argentine World Cup winner was substituted late in his country’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador last week. His free kick in the 78th minute of the game proved to be the winner.
But when manager Scaloni said the Inter Miami star felt “something” and requested to be replaced in the last minutes of the game, questions were raised.
Scaloni had previously stated that the 36-year-old would travel with the Argentinian team before Monday’s match with Bolivia. But he ended up staying out of the final matchday squad.
As a result of goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez in La Paz, Argentina won 3-0 without the help of their talisman. However Messi’s injury may cause some anxiety.
According to Goal, Scaloni informed reporters after the game, which was played more than 3,000 meters above sea level: He [Messi] wasn’t ready to play. Yesterday he tried to recover and he didn’t feel comfortable and we didn’t take the risk.”
The Argentina head coach added: “He wasn’t fit. Yesterday in training we wanted him to try and he didn’t even try.”
Inter Miami will play Atlanta United in their next MLS match on Saturday. And if Messi is missing they will have even less chance of making the playoffs.
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However, the Florida-based club will be hoping that he is fit enough to face the Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Cup final on September 27.
Miami might feature him in the league on September 21 against Toronto and September 25, when they face Orlando City.
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