Inter Miami coach Martino reveals when he will decide if Messi will play against Monterrey in pre-game press conference

Inter Miami have completed their preparations for the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey, who they will face at Chase Stadium on Wednesday. Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side will be desperate to take a lead to Mexico next week, but will the former Barcelona head coach be able to call upon talisman Lionel Messi, still struggling for fitness?

When will Martino decide whether Messi plays against Monterrey?

On Tuesday, the Argentina captain returned to training with the rest of his teammates, although we are still no closer to knowing whether or not he will be involved against Rayados. In his press conference prior to the match, Martino revealed he hadn’t yet made a decision on whether Messi would play any part, either from the start or from the bench, saying he would decide on Wednesday (the day of the game).

“We’re going to decide tomorrow. He trained today but we won’t make a decision yet, there are still 24 hours to go. We’ll see with both Leo and Nico (Freire) tomorrow. But Sergiy Kryvtsov is ruled out,” the Argentine coach explained.

Inter Miami won’t take risks with Argentina captain

Although Messi’s return would be key for Inter Miami, Martino admitted the team has a long season ahead and they are eager to avoid taking any risks with Messi to ensure he doesn’t face a longer spell on the sidelines.

“The main thing is that Leo has had an injury and we have to manage the timing of that injury. Although we have a very important game tomorrow, we have to remember that we are at the beginning of April and everything is just starting for us. What we mustn’t do is put our players’ physical fitness at risk, so what we think is best for Leo, like any other player, is what will lead us to making the right decision.”

Martino expected to make few changes for Monterrey

With Martino expecting a stern test from Monterrey, he hinted he would be making few changes to his team for Wednesday’s game, and feels the players that have taken to the field in recent matches have what it takes to get the better of the Mexicans over two legs.

“I don’t think that a team that is used to playing in a certain way should make radical changes. We know what Monterrey’s strengths are and we know that the tie will be won over 180 minutes. We will try to neutralise them while at the same time playing to our own strengths,” the 61-year-old stated.

CONCACAF Champions Cup high on Inter Miami’s list of priorities

The former Mexico manager concluded by reiterating the importance of the CONCACAF Champions Cup for Inter Miami, who have made no secret of their desire to lift the trophy and qualify for the new FIFA Club World Cup, to be played in the United States in 2025.

“What we have to do is create a culture of Inter Miami playing in this type of tournament.

“This is probably the first time we’ve played in such an important competition and for such a big prize. In any case, I think that regardless of where and when we’ve played big matches in the past, this is the most important thing for us right now and we will try to live up to that.”