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INTER MIAMI

What did Inter Miami manager Tata Martino say regarding Messi’s return against Monterrey?

Inter Miami returned to training without Messi for the second consecutive day, but the player is expected back for the game against Monterrey.

Inter Miami returned to training without Messi for the second consecutive day, but the player is expected back for the game against Monterrey.
RICH STORRYAFP

Inter Miami are still trying to survive without Lionel Messi. The question of whether or not the Argentine will be ready for the game against Monterrey (Wednesday 3 April 2024, 8pm ET/5pm PT.) is one of the big topics that have surrounded the Florida side over the past days and weeks.

The quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League have always been highlighted in red by ‘Tata’ Martino for the potential return of the forward. However, in the last few training sessions of the MLS side the Argentine has had to train away from the rest of the squad, meaning that the doubts surrounding his participation are growing bigger and bigger.

Martino on Messi: ‘we have to think about the entire year’

The coaching staff prioritise a solid recovery for Messi in order to have him on the pitch across the year rather than rush him back for short term success, with Tata Martino saying that “we have to think about the entire year and not about a single game.

“If we understand that the players are at risk, they will surely wait a little longer.” However, the situation with the Argentine is not too worrying and the evolution of his injury is being closely monitored on a daily basis to see if there are any changes to his status.

Messi's time at Miami has been hampered by injuries.
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Messi's time at Miami has been hampered by injuries.CHANDAN KHANNAAFP

Miami’s fear of ‘Messidependencia’

Monterrey will be the first big test to measure the quality of a team that have suffered hugely without Messi on the field. In recent games, Inter Miami have been through a series of varied results, from a victory against DC United (1-3) to a heavy defeat against New York Red Bulls (4-0) and a draw last weekend against New York City (1-1). Luis Suárez has been able to make up for Messi’s loss in a notable way, but it has not been enough.

Even from Mexico there is a certain air of joy over the possible loss of the Argentine, pointing out that “without Messi Inter Miami is not scary.” Nothing is further from reality. Inter Miami remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with 11 points, one behind the leader (Cincinnati, who have played one game less).

The team has been able to use promising young players like Diego Gómez in these games although the big problem for ‘Tata’ continues to be at the back. In the last four MLS games they have conceded nine goals, that is, almost two goals per match. Inter Miami has work to do before the CONCACAF Champions Cup arrives with all of its force.

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