Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has provided an update on the playing status of Lionel Messi for the upcoming friendly match against a Hong Kong XI. Despite reports of Messi struggling with a hamstring problem, Martino stated that it is “likely” that the Argentine superstar will be able to play in Sunday’s match. Messi, who recently came on as a substitute in their previous game, has been a key player for Inter Miami throughout their preseason matches. Martino expressed his desire to have Messi play as much as possible, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the fitness of all the players before making a final decision. However, he remained hopeful that Messi would be able to play the majority of minutes during the friendly match.
Inter Miami’s preseason campaign has not been ideal as they are still seeking their first win. With a total of 11 goals conceded in four games, the team is eager to break their winless streak and improve their performance before their MLS season debut against Real Salt Lake on Feb. 21. Martino acknowledged the team’s struggles and emphasized the need to break out of this negative dynamic. He labeled winning Sunday’s game as a priority and is determined to find solutions to the team’s imperfections.
The team’s recent tour in Saudi Arabia has been underwhelming, with disappointing results and performances. Following their narrow 4-3 loss to Al Hilal, Inter Miami suffered a devastating 6-0 defeat at the hands of Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence due to a calf injury did not prevent Al Nassr from dominating the match. Martino expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performances, highlighting the need for improvement in several areas. The coach recognized the high number of goals conceded and identified the importance of finding a way for the players to perform at their best. Despite these struggles, Martino remained optimistic, acknowledging that preseason is the ideal time to address these issues before their first league game.
Uruguay forward Luis Suárez shed light on his decision to join Inter Miami after leaving Brazilian club Gremio in December. Suárez sees joining a team that has yet to win the MLS as a beautiful challenge. He expressed excitement for reuniting with former Barcelona teammates such as Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, and the opportunity to chase Inter Miami’s dreams of winning a title. For Suárez, this was the determining factor in his decision to join the team. Furthermore, Suárez highlighted his happiness to once again play alongside Messi after many years apart, emphasizing the joy of sharing their daily lives both on and off the field.
Inter Miami’s coach, Gerardo Martino, has provided updates on Lionel Messi’s expected participation in Sunday’s friendly match, as well as addressed the team’s disappointing preseason performance. Martino emphasized the importance of evaluating all players’ fitness and expressed hope for Messi to play a significant role in the upcoming game. The coach acknowledged the team’s struggles in Saudi Arabia, particularly their high number of conceded goals, and stressed the need for improvement before their MLS season debut. Additionally, Luis Suárez shared his motivations behind joining Inter Miami, highlighting the challenge of winning an MLS title and the joy of reuniting with former teammates. As the team continues to prepare for their season, they strive to overcome obstacles and work towards achieving their goals.