FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi has arrived to Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, but he will not play in Sunday’s game against CF Montreal.

Messi watched the game from Inter Miami’s bench area, while wearing street clothes and sitting next to his wife.

He was not listed as a starter or substitute in Inter Miami’s starting lineup, although he was questionable to play due to a shin injury.

Messi sustained the injury to his legendary left leg after contesting a possession by an opposing player during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Nashville SC during the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round-of-16 matchup.

Although Messi was well enough to finish the match and left with a bruise, Messi will get some rest ahead of the second leg against Nashville set for Wednesday night.

Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez, who was listed as a backup in the lineup, could see limited playing time against Montreal.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Montreal live stream?

Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, and available to live stream via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

WATCH: Messi and Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal on Apple TV

How did Messi get hurt against Nashville?

Messi was kicked in the calf area, causing his left ankle to twist when he challenged Nashville’s Lukas MacNaughton, whose right leg landed on Messi.

Here’s a replay of the play:

Messi takes photo with fan wearing ice around injured shin

One Messi fan waited hours Saturday for a chance to meet his idol, and shared a photo after meeting the 2022 World Cup champion.

Messi had ice wrapped around his shin, where he absorbed the contact from a Nashville player.

The fan also shared a heartfelt message: THE GREATEST IN HISTORY. I have no words to describe you brother. The fact that you took 5 minutes to talk to me about life is not compared to anything in the world. Those who know me know what you mean to me. The best with the ball and even better as a person, without words 10 I love you with my life and never retire.

Messi and Suarez could see limited action vs. Montreal

Messi and Suarez have each accounted for three goals in their last two matches, so preserving them is paramount for Inter Miami’s run in the Champions Cup.

“We have to see how the players are, especially the ones who played the most minutes and then we will make a decision after practice (Saturday) and we will see who is healthy and ready to play Sunday,” Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales said Saturday.

Morales added: “We all know Leo, he’s a player who wants to play every game. I think it will depend on a conversation with him to see how he is doing and to decide what is best for him. He has played all the games for 90 minutes, and we will make the best decision thinking of him.”

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after a goal against Nashville SC during the second half during the Concacaf Champions Cup Leg One Round of 16 match at GEODIS Park on March 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina

Messi will join Argentina for two Copa America warm-ups later this month.

March 13: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC, second leg Champions Cup Round of 16

March 16: Inter Miami visits D.C. United

March 22: Argentina vs. El Salvador in Philadelphia

March 26: Argentina vs. Costa Rica in Los Angeles

Messi could miss two Inter Miami games as a result: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls on March 23, and Inter Miami vs. New York City FC on March 30.

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