Messi injures foot in Inter Miami practice: Here's what we know before Leagues Cup semifinal
Soccer star Lionel Messi appeared to injure his left foot during Inter Miami practice on Monday – one day before the team’s Leagues Cup semifinal road game against the Philadelphia Union.
But Messi’s longtime coach, Tata Martino, didn't appear to be too concerned after the training session.
Inter Miami’s game against the Philadelphia Union will kick off at 7 p.m. ET in Subaru Park and be broadcast live on Apple TV.
Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion with Argentina, has lived up to the Messi Mania hype since joining the MLS team last month, scoring eight goals in his first five games – all victories for Inter Miami.
How did Messi injure his left foot?
Messi was participating in ball drills when his left foot appeared to roll as he stretched to stop a ball while his right foot was planted.
Messi took several steps with a limp, favoring his left foot, before rejoining his teammates during the practice drill.
Here is video of Messi appearing to injure his foot during Monday's Inter Miami training session:
What did Messi's coach say about his foot injury?
"I was only at a part of the session because I had a meeting afterwards and was finishing preparing, so I didn’t see exactly what happened," Martino told reporters in Spanish with a smile after Monday’s training session.
Martino added that if it had been something serious, everyone "would have been freaking out about it."
“Since everyone was fine, I imagine nothing happened.”
Martino, who also coached Messi with FC Barcelona and Argentina, said he spoke with Messi after the training session.
Martino said he was “normal for now” when asked how Messi fared while finishing the training session.
Will Messi play against Philadelphia Union?
How Messi’s injury could affect him remains to be seen.
But there’s some good news for fans in Philadelphia waiting to see him play on Tuesday night.
Messi traveled with the team as Inter Miami left for Philadelphia on Monday afternoon.
How has Messi performed since joining Inter Miami?
Messi has been on a tear, providing highlight play after highlight play since joining Inter Miami, the MLS team co-owned by soccer legend David Beckham.
Messi has scored eight goals in five games with Inter Miami – all victories.
Messi came off the bench and scored a game-winning free kick during his Inter Miami debut against Liga MX team Cruz Azul on July 21.
Messi also scored a game-tying goal against FC Dallas, which Inter Miami won 5-3 on penalty kicks, on Aug. 6.
Messi has three braces, or games in which he scored two goals, in five games.
Messi has also scored quickly during his first three starts – scoring in the eighth, seventh and sixth minutes, respectively.
Where does Inter Miami stand in Leagues Cup?
Inter Miami is in the final four of the Leagues Cup.
Nashville will host Mexican Liga MX team Monterrey in the other semifinal, set for 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, also broadcast by Apple TV.
What is the rest of Messi’s schedule for August?
Saturday, Aug. 19: Leagues Cup final or third-place match, depending on Tuesday's result.
Wednesday, Aug. 23: Inter Miami at Cincinnati, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, Aug. 26: Inter Miami at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Nashville FC, 7:30 p.m.
Inter Miami's regular-season game against Charlotte set for Aug. 20 was postponed due to Leagues Cup play.