Inter Miami coach Martino discusses Lionel Messi recovery and Luis Suárez challenge before 2024 MLS season start

Inter Miami’s last preseason game saw them play out a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys on a special night for Lionel Messi, who faced his boyhood team for the first time in his career. The good news for The Herons ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season is that the Argentina captain was able to come through an hour unscathed following recent muscle problems which hampered him during the ill-fated tour of Asia.

When do Inter Miami play their first MLS game in 2024?

Messi showed no signs of a relapse or indeed fatigue against Newell’s, with head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino singling him out for praise following his 60 minutes on the field at DRV PNK Stadium.

After the game, the former Mexico manager told the media that Messi had recovered well from his injury issues and that he was confident both he and Luis Suárez would be 100% fit for the MLS opener against Real Salt Lake next Wednesday.

Watch Messi, Miami and the rest of the MLS on Apple TV

Messi “looked and felt really good” after muscle problems

“He looks to have fully recovered. Yes, we took things one step at a time. In Tokyo (against Vissel Kobe), he played for just 30 or 35 minutes, this time it was almost 60. The plan is for him to be in top condition for the 21st (Wednesday’s game against RSL). From what I saw on the field today, the way he sprinted and linked up with his teammates, he looked really good and he told me he felt really good we he came off,” Martino explained in a post-match press conference.

Inter Miami looking to improve Suárez understanding

Although Suárez has shown flashes of what he is capable of in his first few appearances for Inter Miami, Martino admitted the Uruguayan is still working on building an understanding with his new teammates, Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba apart.

The Herons coach called on the rest of his players to help the 37 year old bed in and work out how they can best play to his strengths.

“The start of the new season will prevent us from working more on that. We don’t want it to be only Leo or Jordi or Busi that find him because they know him from before and know how he moves and finds space. We need the entire roster to get to know him, especially those who play in attacking areas, such as Julian Gressel or Diego Gómez. Diego, especially, who played alongside him (against Newell’s). But I think he’ll be fine once the league starts.”