Inter Miami star has worst fears confirmed after classy gesture from Messi
One of Lionel Messi's new Inter Miami teammates has been ruled out for the rest of the season after he suffered a severe injury during the superstar's debut.
As the 36-year-old capped off his landmark first appearance in the US with a 27,000 supporters packed into DRV PNK Stadium, it was a night of celebration for the Herons. There was no doubt that LeBron James and other big names had witnessed a seminal moment for the sport in America.
In front of a host of household names including sporting icons Serena Williams and James, as well as Kim Kardashian, the man who is considered by many to be the greatest to ever play the game delivered when his team needed him most to hand his side their first victory in 11 outings. Despite the jubilant scenes at the end of the game, however, the loss of Ian Fray to injury will come as the sole blow on a momentous evening.
The 20-year-old defender had to be substituted after 30 minutes of play after he dropped to the floor, with it cruelly obvious that the youngster had sustained a significant knock. The prospect - who was named in Jamaica's provisional squad this summer - has had rotten luck with injuries in recent years, with this injury the latest setback in quick succession.
Only last year, the homegrown Miami starlet was ruled out due to a anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during pre-season, meaning he had to miss the 2022 campaign . This came after Fray suffered another ACL injury just a month into his professional career in 2021.
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Now, Inter Miami have confirmed the academy graduate's worst fears for a third time in his fledgling career, with Fray now expected to be out for the rest of this term due to yet another ACL injury. He had made 14 appearances so far this season, with 11 of these outings coming in MLS.
Despite his heroics in the final minute of the action versus Cruz Azul, new teammate Messi showed his humble side and was quick to offer his sympathy for the locally-born youngster. Recognising Fray's plight after a spate of unfortunate injuries, the Argentine icon made sure to dedicate the win to the injured player.
Ian Fray of Inter Miami CF reacts after being injured during the first half of the Leagues Cup match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Following the match, the former Barcelona hero said: "Let me dedicate this victory to Ian (Fray), who was suffering in the locker room from the injury he sustained. He comes from two serious injuries, and today he has the bad luck to go through an injury again."
Messi appears to endeared himself to his teammates off the pitch in recent days, with his selfless offering to ensure that fellow Miami stars got their hands on some tickets for the star's welcoming ceremony. According to defender DeAndre Yedlin, the superstar responded almost instantly to the request in the team's WhatsApp group and was more than happy to help.
Inter Miami's next game will come against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on July 25, before the Herons return to MLS action just under a month from now against Charlotte FC. Inter Miami currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after 22 rounds played.
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