Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, has provided some insight into Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch. Messi, who missed the midweek game against Orlando City due to a left-knee injury sustained in a clash with defender George Campbell, is being cautiously evaluated by the coaching staff.
Martino expressed optimism about Messi’s return but emphasized that no final decision would be made until after training. The decision to sideline Messi for the Orlando game was solely due to the injury and not a planned rest to prevent physical exhaustion. Martino acknowledged Messi’s age and physical condition but stated that the team must take into account these factors when determining player participation.
Inter Miami’s goalless draw against Orlando marked the first time since March that the team failed to score. Luis Suárez led the attack alongside Matías Rojas and Robert Taylor before being substituted in the 60th minute. Martino mentioned that Suárez’s limited playing time was a strategic decision to avoid overexertion ahead of upcoming games.
Jordi Alba, who returned from injury in the same match, played around 26 minutes and is expected to feature in the upcoming game against D.C. United. Alba had been sidelined for five weeks due to a right-leg injury. Martino has shown confidence in Alba’s ability to contribute to the team.
Despite the recent challenges, Inter Miami remains at the top of the Eastern Conference table with 28 points from 14 games. This strong position reflects the team’s overall performance and resilience throughout the season.
Inter Miami is navigating through injuries and player rotations to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The strategic decisions made by Coach Martino regarding player participation and match tactics will be crucial in ensuring the team’s success moving forward. The return of Messi and Alba adds depth and experience to the squad, providing a boost as they continue their campaign in the MLS.