Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino discusses Lionel Messi, Copa América and Olympic Games

In the days leading up to the kick-off of the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has spoken to the media and the Argentine tactician addressed some important issues surrounding the club, as well as the Copa América and the 2024 Olympic Games.

During the summer, the Fort Lauderdale club will see a number of players leave for international tournaments, with the possibility of Lionel Messi at Paris 2024 causing a lot of interest, but this situation also intersects with the World Cup winner playing at the Copa América in the United States.

Martino’s stance

Martino was questioned about the situation of Diego Gómez, who has been ley in the South American Pre-Olympics with Paraguay and also has the option to play both competitions, so Martino had to be clear about what would come for the young Paraguayan and threw a hint about what could happen with Messi and Argentina.

“Diego Gómez has the Copa América and the Olympic Games,” Martino said. “Luckily I have many friends and I spoke with them to tell them that I have no problem. I have no problem, they choose, but only one (tournament). You can’t spend two months away.

“In this case, there are two competitions together, which means that a player is away for over two months, so they are going to tell me if Daniel Garnero wants him for the Copa América or if Jara Saguier wants him for the Olympic Games.”

When asked about the timing of Messi’s departure with Argentina and the depth of the squad, Tata replied: “We can’t bring in all the players we want. We know that in March we have to replace Leo and we know that in June-July for friendlies and Copa América. The thing is that we don’t have freedom of recruitment. We must have one or a few players that will allow us to have some attacking options when he is not playing.”