Inter Miami is gearing up to host Toronto FC in their upcoming MLS match, and the spotlight is firmly fixed on the team’s manager, Tata Martino, as fans eagerly await news of whether Lionel Messi will feature in the game.
During a recent press conference, Tata Martino provided an update on his star player, stating, “Messi has muscle fatigue and it would’ve been very unwise to bring him to play this game,” referring to their recent 5-2 loss to Atalanta United.
Martino went on to explain, “We had already decided two days prior that they would not be playing. Bringing them into this match would have risked more severe consequences“.
Tata Martino (Inter Miami coach): “Leo Messi and Jordi Alba both had muscle fatigue that’s why they didn’t travel with the team… It had nothing to do with the turf. We have the US Open Cup final coming up and winning it is important as well as the next 7 matches in the league. pic.twitter.com/1djh0vGG9R
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) September 17, 2023
The Argentine manager concluded by revealing that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will undergo training on September 18, after which a decision will be made regarding their participation against Toronto. Martino emphasized that there is no rush, and Messi will only feature if he feels confident in his ability to do so, otherwise, he will continue to rest.
Lionel Messi’s most recent appearance was for Argentina during an international break in a World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador, where he was substituted in the second half due to fatigue. In the subsequent game against Bolivia, Messi traveled with the Argentine squad but was rested to recover from muscle fatigue.
Inter Miami is scheduled to face Toronto FC on September 20, with Toronto currently occupying the 15th position in the Eastern Conference, one spot below Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi to play three matches in eight days
Tata Martino faces a crucial task in managing Lionel Messi’s playing time, with Inter Miami set to embark on a demanding schedule of three matches within an eight-day span.
Their busy week begins with a clash against Toronto in the MLS on Wednesday, followed by a match against Orlando City on September 25. Just three days later, they will take on the Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Final.
The challenging schedule continues into October, with Inter Miami slated to play three games in a mere eight days. On October 1, they are set to compete against New York City FC, followed by a match against Chicago Fire on October 5. Three days after that, they will face off against FC Cincinnati.
Next Messi matches:
✈️16/09 vs Atlanta🇺🇸
🏠20/09 vs Toronto🇺🇸
✈️24/09 vs Orlando🇺🇸
🏠27/09 vs Houston(US Open Cup Final)
🏠30/09 vs NY City🇺🇸
✈️04/10 vs Chicago🇺🇸
🏠07/10 vs Cincinnati🇺🇸
🏠12/10 vs Paraguay-NT🇦🇷
✈️17/10 vs Peru-NT🇦🇷
✈️21/10 vs Charlotte🇺🇸10 GAMES IN 36 DAYS!🥶 pic.twitter.com/mIFWNCn1lJ
— LM10𓃵 (@leo10_football) September 15, 2023
Adding to the complexity, Lionel Messi will also be navigating World Cup qualifiers in October, featuring CONMEBOL matches against Paraguay on October 12 and Peru on October 17.
It’s worth noting that Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer without the benefit of a proper preseason and has been in continuous action for the Miami-based club. While he has been delivering impressive performances with 11 goals and five assists in 11 games, the 36-year-old Messi must be managed carefully to prevent minor muscle fatigue from escalating into injuries.