Inter Miami’s playoff hopes need Messi return: who’s up next?

Inter Miami has no respite in its schedule. The team led by Tata Martino is entering the final stretch of a grueling run of seven matches in just 21 days. Moreover, with the US Open Cup final having been sandwiched in the middle of this segment of the season and a highly challenging objective in MLS, every match played is of paramount importance.

This streak of seven commenced on 16 September. Up to this point, the Herons have contested four matches, with a mix of a win, loss and draw in the league, and the painful defeat in Wednesday’s US Open Cup final, where Houston Dynamo snatched the title from them.

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Despite the mounting number of commitments facing Inter Miami in the coming days, all of these are MLS encounters. This allows the coaching staff to focus solely on one tournament when organizing the team’s preparations.

Miami awaiting Messi

The marquee signing of the season in the United States, has played a mere 36 minutes in the last four matches due to an injury in the back of his leg. Following the challenging decision not to rush him back for the US Open Cup final, there is hope of regaining the Argentine superstar for the upcoming fixtures.

The accumulation of matches and the stress of traveling with Argentina have taken a toll on the physical condition of a highly committed Leo Messi, who certainly will not jeopardize his recovery by rushing back. While the exact date of his return remains uncertain, the action continues apace, and Inter Miami must be prepared for any circumstances regarding the availability of their players.

Upcoming matches for Inter Miami