Lionel Messi's injury mars Inter Miami's triumph over Nashville

NEW DELHI: In a display of his enduring brilliance, Lionel Messi dazzled once again on the field, contributing a goal and an assist before being side lined by a leg injury as Inter Miami triumphed over Nashville 3-1 in a thrilling CONCACAF Champions Cup encounter.
The magic began early in the match when Messi, in typical fashion, orchestrated a sublime assist to his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez, setting the tone for Inter Miami's dominance.With his vision and precision, Messi provided the crucial pass that led to Suárez's goal, igniting the crowd and giving his team an early advantage.

Not content with just creating goals, Messi showcased his scoring prowess by finding the back of the net himself, extending Inter Miami's lead and further asserting his influence on the game. However, his joyous performance was cut short as he was forced to leave the pitch in the 50th minute due to a nagging leg injury.
Coach Gerardo Tata Martino expressed caution regarding Messi's injury, opting to prioritize his star player's long-term well-being over immediate concerns. Despite resting during a recent match against Montreal, Messi's injury resurfaced during the game against Nashville, prompting Martino to err on the side of caution and withdraw him from the action.
In Messi's absence, Robert Taylor stepped up admirably, adding a goal of his own to seal Inter Miami's victory and secure their place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. Despite the setback, Martino remains optimistic about Messi's recovery, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation and tests before determining his return to action.
Reflecting on Messi's impactful performance, Nashville coach Gary Smith lauded the Argentine maestro's early dominance on the field, acknowledging his unparalleled influence on the game. Smith humorously expressed relief at Messi's departure, recognizing the significant challenge posed by his presence on the field.
As Messi undergoes assessment and treatment for his injury, both Inter Miami and fans alike await his return with hopeful anticipation, knowing that his mere presence on the pitch can tilt the scales in their favour.
(Inputs from AP)