Martino says that Messi and Suárez are ready to play against Real Salt Lake, Freire a doubt

Inter Miami are finishing up their pre-season final touches ahead of the start of MLS 2024 at home, a venue that as of this Tuesday was renamed Chase Stadium. The Herons will host Real Salt Lake (February 21, 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.) as part of the opening day of Major League Soccer for 2024.

After an extensive pre-season tour that culminated at home against Newell’s Old Boys, Inter Miami’s players and staff are ready to test themselves in the league and fight for the playoff positions come the end of the season.

Inter Miami injury update

Prior to the game against Real Salt Lake, Gerardo Martino spoke to the media at a press conference and revealed that the majority of the squad is fit to play, with Argentine defender Nicolás Freire being the only doubt for the tie, although it will be decided at the last minute whether he will play or not.

“Freire is in doubt, but we have not yet confirmed his absence. We are evaluating with the medical staff to what extent there is a risk and to what extent there is no risk,” Martino explained at a press conference.

‘Messi and Suárez are ready to play’

On the other hand, Tata assured that both Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are in a position to play this Wednesday’s game and their playing time will depend on the performance and result; he also added that Diego Gómez is in a strong position since his arrival to the much-changed squad.

“Messi and Suárez are ready to play, if 90 minutes are required, we will see this depending on the team’s needs”, he said. “With Diego Gómez, I think that the Paraguay national team helped him grow a lot in terms of his self-esteem; he is very young, he has impressive physical and football capabilities.”

“In my opinion he was the best or one of the best players of the pre-Olympic tournament and we noticed that he has come with the same confidence. We have great expectations with what it can give us,” added the Rosario-born manager.

Finally, Martino highlighted that the team has worked hard ahead of the game against Real Salt Lake; they are prepared for any scenario that the opponents presents them and they are ready to bag the first three points of the championship.

“We prepare the game in any way to be ready if we come under pressure in build-up or if the rival team sits back. What we usually do is try to have answers for any battle that may arise and we believe that we are going to arrive well for the start of the league tomorrow,” he concluded.