Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has confirmed that superstars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez will be available for the upcoming match against Atlanta United on Wednesday night. This news comes after the duo was rested for the previous clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Martino stated, “Yes, Messi will be in the game tomorrow,” but also cautioned against looking too far ahead to Saturday’s game against St. Louis. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand before considering future fixtures.
These two matches will mark the final appearances for Messi before he departs the club to join the Argentinian national team for Copa América preparations. With the international tournament commencing on June 20, Argentina is scheduled to participate in two friendly matches on June 9 and June 14. Despite this impending departure, discussions regarding Messi’s exit date have not taken place with the Argentinian federation. Martino highlighted the strategic decision to establish a base in Miami for the national team preparations, minimizing travel commitments for the players.
In addition to Messi, Luis Suárez may also be on the verge of leaving Inter Miami to represent Uruguay in the Copa América. While official contact has not yet been initiated between the club and the Uruguayan federation, Martino hinted at imminent developments on this matter. He expressed the likelihood of Suárez’s involvement in the international tournament, suggesting that news regarding his departure would surface in the coming week. This uncertainty places a level of anticipation on the team dynamics and potential lineup changes.
Midfielder Federico Redondo acknowledged the expected absences during the Copa América and Olympics windows, highlighting the departures of key players such as Messi, Matías Rojas, Diego Gómez, and potentially Luis Suárez. Inter Miami is bracing for a challenging period with multiple fixtures scheduled during the international window, including matchups against the Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Nashville SC, Charlotte FC, and FC Cincinnati. Despite the absence of key personnel, the team currently leads the Eastern Conference table with an impressive 34 points from 16 games.
In a separate development on Monday, St. Louis City SC revealed the signing of German midfielder Cedric Teuchert to a two-year contract. The 27-year-old player joins from German second-division club Hannover 96 and will be under contract until June 2026 with an option to extend for the remainder of the MLS season. This acquisition adds depth and experience to St. Louis City SC’s roster, potentially altering the dynamics within the league.
Inter Miami’s upcoming matches against Atlanta United and St. Louis present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The availability of Messi and Suárez adds a layer of excitement and anticipation for fans, but the prospect of their imminent departures casts a shadow over the team’s future performances. As the international window approaches and key players prepare to represent their national teams, Inter Miami must navigate through a period of transition and adaptation to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.