MLS
Tata Martino considering taking Leo Messi to play against Chicago Fire
The Inter Miami star has been struggling with injury and missed a number of recent games.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s star forward and World Cup winner with Argentina, appears to be nearing a return to the field after missing recent fixtures against NYCFC, Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City. He has been participating in on-field workouts but has not yet rejoined the full squad.
In a Tuesday press conference ahead of the clash with Chicago Fire, Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino provided an update on Messi’s condition. The briefing took place at Inter Miami’s facilities and was attended by various media outlets, including AS USA.
“Regarding Messi, we’ll evaluate today’s training session to see if he’s at any risk, and decide whether he should travel to Chicago for tomorrow’s match,” Martino explained. “He should start training with the team either today or tomorrow; considering tomorrow is the match day, he may do the first part of the warm-up today.”
When questioned by our Miami correspondent Fernando Petrocelli about the likelihood of Messi playing against Chicago Fire, Martino reiterated that today’s training session would be critical in making that decision, though he admitted that it is a possibility.
“He’s getting closer to normal training each day, and so we are evaluating him on a day-to-day basis. There is a chance of him playing tomorrow,” Martino added.
For the first time, Tata Martino also offered insights into Messi’s injury. He explained that they are acting cautiously due to a scar that runs the risk of opening, which would lead to more severe problems.
“Injury-wise, it’s a scar that could open up, and that could result in a much more serious issue moving forward,” the Argentinian coach added.
Leonardo Campana will miss the duel against Chicago Fire due to injury
In other team news, Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana will not be available for the Chicago Fire match due to injury concerns that arose during the NYCFC game.
“Leo Campana will rest this match and we’ll continue to assess him based on the discomfort he had in the previous match to see if he’ll be ready for the Cincinnati game,” Martino told the media.
Lastly, Martino revealed that Spanish left-back Jordi Alba will remain sidelined for a few more matches but is expected to return against Charlotte at the end of the regular season.
“We’re aiming for Jordi to be back against Charlotte,” Martino concluded.