Leo Messi commences pre-season training with Inter Miami

Officially, Inter Miami’s preseason begins on Saturday, 13 January, however, some players decided on getting an early start and carried out a light training session on Friday with one of the group being Lionel Messi.

The Argentine reported back with Inter Miami earlier in the week as the cub conducted the protocol pre-season medical tests with the Herons set to embark on a globetrotting pre-season that will see Tata Martino’s play games in countries such as El Salvador, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.

The first images of Messi on the training pitch with Jordi Alba were circulated through the club’s official social networks and it’s anticipated that Luis Suárez will officially join Inter Miami for training after being presented to the media fielding questions about his arrival in the world of MLS.

When was Messi’s last game?

Leo Messi has not played competitive football since last November with his last game coming as part of Argentina’s victory against Brazil in the Conmebol qualifiers with the Rosario born player starring for 78 minutes.

Messi last pulled on an Inter Miami on 10 November as he featured in a played his tribute match to celebrate his eighth Ballon d’Or win with NYCFC providing the opposition at DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami’s preseason schedule

January 19 vs El Salvador

Preparation for the season ahead begins for Messi, Busquets, Suárez and co on Friday, 19 January, when the team visits the Cuscatlán Stadium to face El Salvador.

Later, Inter Miami will have 10 days of with no match commitments and during that time Tata Martino’s men will travel to Saudi Arabia to face two of the Riyadh Roshn Saudi League based clubs.

January 29 and 1 February vs Al Hilal and Al Nassr

Inter Miami will face Al Hilal on the 29th and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on 1 February as part of the Riyadh Season Cup.

February 4 vs Hong Kong

After Saudi Arabia, the Herons will travel to Hong Kong to face the local team in another of the friendlies that is now already sold out for 2024.

February 7 vs Vissel Kobe in Tokyo

Inter Miami’s Asian tour will end on 7 February when they face Vissel Kobe at the National Stadium in Japan, Andrés Iniesta’s former team.

February 15 vs Newell’s Old Boys

Inter Miami’s preseason will come to an end on 15 February at home, as the DRV PNK Stadium opens its doors for the visit of Rosario based Newell’s Old Boys, a team where both Messi and Inter Miami coach Martino spent time.

A week after the game against Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Miami will begin the 2024 MLS season against Real Salt Lake with the game opening the new campaign on Wednesday February 21st.