MLS
Tata Martino set to rest Messi after US Open Cup semi-final
The Argentine coach, ‘Tata’ Martino acknowledged that Messi has been pushed and is considering resting him after the US Open Cup game.
Everything at Inter Miami has changed with the arrival of Lionel Messi. The World Cup winner has ignited a team wallowing at the foot of the table in the Eastern Conference and with his ten goals and inspirational play, has been instrumental in securing the first ever silverware for the side from Florida after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Inter boss Tata Martino has acknowledged that has been stretched and is considering giving his star a rest, however, that will not come until after Wednesday’s game when they face FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup.
“Leo Messi played all the games and maybe at some point he wants to rest, obviously that won’t be on Wednesday. He is going to play and be a starter”, revealed the coach at a media briefing.
Messi at Inter Miami
Messi made his debut on July 21, 2023, coming on in the 55th minute of the opening Leagues Cup group game. Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-1, this precisely thanks to a goal from the Argentine striker in time added on.
Messi has played seven games in a month, and next Wednesday he will return to the pitch in the tough trip to face league leaders Cincinnati in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Inter Miami have a busy schedule ahead and return to MLS action on Saturday and it remains to be seen if Messi will make his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls.
Inter Miami face an uphill task if they are to secure a playoff place and face 12 games in the regular season including tricky tests against the likes of New York Red Bulls, Nashville SC, LAFC, Orlando City, among others.