Inter Miami Gaffer Gerardo Martino Opens up on Lionel Messi’s Fitness Ahead of Back-to-back Games – News18

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino appears to be quite concerned about the workload of Lionel Messi, who has recently rejoined the team after a long injury break. The Argentine superstar had been out of action since July before making a roaring comeback in the last Major League Soccer (MLS) game against Philadelphia Union.

He missed as many as eight matches for his club due to an ankle injury that he sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia. Messi marked his return with an impressive performance. He scored a brace and provided an assist against Philadelphia as Inter Miami claimed a 3-1 victory in the home fixture.

After the match was over, Martino admitted that Messi had not faced any fitness-related issues during the 90-minute play. The Inter Miami head coach, however, may consider resting Messi in one of the next three MLS games, all of which are scheduled for next week. The Herons are set to play back-to-back away matches against Atlanta United and New York City before facing Charlotte FC at home. Martino has already confirmed that Messi will be available for all of those matches.

“Leo is fine, he ended the game well. Tired, obviously. It’s the first 90 minutes in a long time, but it ended very well. He is going to travel to both games. He is available but there are three games this week with travel included, so we have to see it day by day. Wherever he is, he will surely always be missed. So, we are very happy to be able to have him back in the team,” Gerardo Martino said, as per GOAL.

Martino also hinted at turning to the bench for the upcoming MLS fixtures. He said, “We didn’t replace him (Messi) individually because individually they cannot be replaced, but we have tried to ensure that collectively the team acquires a physiognomy that makes it reliable and I think that within what we have done it seems to me that it turned out quite well.”

Meanwhile, Messi has already become the quickest in MLS history to register 15 goals and as many assists. He has reached the milestone in 19 matches. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will now look to continue his sublime form for the remainder of the season and help Inter Miami secure the title. Inter Miami now lead the Eastern Conference standings with 62 points.