Inter Miami team news: Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing against New York Red Bulls?

Inter Miami continue their assault on MLS this weekend with a trip to the Big Apple. Tata Martino’s side take on New York Red Bulls on Saturday, looking to retain their place at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The Herons have played one game more than most MLS teams, owing to their early season opener against Real Salt Lake. They are level on points with reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew at the top of the East. Here’s how the Herons line up against NYRB...

They face a NYRB side who could pose them real problems with their high-pressing, high-octane style. To make matters worse for Martino he is without a number of key players for the game, including team captain Lionel Messi.

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The Argentine was substituted early in the second half in the CONCACAF Champions Cup victory over Nashville SC two weeks ago and has not played since. Martino said that he was suffering from an “overload in his right hamstring” and confirmed that he will not play in New York.

Speaking earlier this week he said of Messi: “He is recovering. He has been out on the field for a few days now and is improving day by day so we are paying attention to his progress but he is not ready to play yet. Today is the fourth day that he has been back on the pitch.”

Inter Miami confirmed team news

Aside from the absence of one of the greatest players of all time, there are a number of other selection issues facing Tata Martino. Goalkeeper Drake Callender is away with the United States, who face Mexico in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday.

In addition to the starting No. 1, Miami are without a trio of young midfielders. Diego Gomez (Paraguay), David Ruiz (Honduras) and Federico Redondo (Argentina U-23) are all away on international duty and will not be available against NYRB. In addition, Shanyder Borgelin and Israel Boatwright are representing Haiti and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farias and Ian Fray remain out with long-term injuries. Nicolas Freire is a doubt due to a hamstring issue.

Despite those absences, Inter Miami are still able to name a strong starting XI with real fire-power up front. With Leonardo Campana and Luis Suarez both in good form Martino has opted for a 5-3-2 formation that allows him to include both strikers in the team. Robert Taylor and Jordi Alba start as two very attacking-minded wing backs with real quality in the final third.