One of the biggest stories surrounding Inter Miami’s preseason tour has been the injury struggles faced by their star player, Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward was named among the substitutes for the team’s latest game against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, after missing the previous match due to an adductor injury. This injury not only disappointed the team’s fans but also drew criticism from the government, highlighting the importance of Messi’s presence in the squad.
In an interview with reporters, Messi revealed that he was feeling “very good compared to a few days ago” but remained unsure about his fitness to play. He emphasized the need to carefully assess his condition based on how training sessions progressed. This uncertainty has left the team and fans anxiously awaiting news of Messi’s availability for future matches. The absence of Messi from the starting lineup has undoubtedly affected the team’s performance and overall morale.
Messi was not the only player facing injury concerns during the preseason tour. Midfielder Sergio Busquets was forced off the pitch during the first half of the game against Vissel Kobe after suffering an ankle knock. This adds to the list of injury worries for Inter Miami, as they have already been beaten by Al Hilal and Al Nassr, two teams from the Saudi Pro League, in previous fixtures. It is clear that the team’s preparations for the upcoming season have been disrupted by these injuries and their impact on the overall squad dynamics cannot be ignored.
Barcelona Connections Highlighted
The game against Vissel Kobe also brought forth the Barcelona connections within the squad. Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, former Barcelona teammates of Messi, were both included in the starting lineup. Additionally, the presence of Andrés Iniesta, who spent five years with Vissel Kobe before joining Emirates in August 2023, further emphasized the ties between the two teams. These connections serve as a reminder of the strong influence Barcelona has had on the development of players who now find themselves involved in this preseason tour.
Inter Miami’s preseason tour has undoubtedly posed several challenges for the team. With only one win in their fixtures so far, against the Hong Kong League XI, they have struggled to find consistent form. The defeat to Al Nassr, where Messi was only able to make a late substitute appearance, showcased the team’s difficulties in the face of strong opposition. While preseason results are not always indicative of future performance, the need to address the injury concerns and instill a sense of cohesion within the squad is paramount for Inter Miami to have a successful upcoming season.
Lionel Messi’s injury woes, along with the overall struggle faced by Inter Miami during their preseason tour, have posed significant challenges. The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s fitness, coupled with the absence of key players due to injuries, has disrupted the team’s preparations. The Barcelona connections within the squad have added an additional layer of intrigue to the tour. With only one win so far, Inter Miami must address these issues and foster a sense of unity within the team to set themselves up for a successful season.