Inter Miami‘s preseason tour of the Americas is nearing its conclusion, with Orlando Metropolis as their closing pleasant earlier than the official competitors begins. Experiences recommend that Lionel Messi is not going to relaxation for this match and is predicted to be on the sector.
Questions surrounding Messi’s health and participation within the final two friendlies arose when coach Javier Mascherano initially left his availability unsure, citing the upcoming match towards Sporting Kansas Metropolis. Nonetheless, it now appears the Argentine star shall be able to play.
As Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald reviews, Messi will take the sector for the Florida derby towards Orlando Metropolis on Friday, February 14. The legendary ahead is predicted to play not less than 45 minutes, offering him ample time to get well for the essential CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
Messi has featured in each preseason match for Inter Miami, logging 279 minutes, averaging practically 70 minutes per recreation. He discovered the again of the online in video games towards Membership America and CD Olimpia and supplied two assists. When requested about Messi’s minutes and whether or not this might be his typical workload throughout the season, Mascherano defined:
“Clearly, as it’s the preseason, we attempt to take care as a result of they got here two months with out enjoying and we didn’t need to take any form of danger. Particularly in physiques, not solely Leo however from the opposite individuals, who will not be used to having so little time to cease,” he stated.
What’s subsequent for Messi and Inter Miami?
With Messi main the cost, Inter Miami is gearing up for the beginning of the season following a two-month break. The staff will face a troublesome problem, beginning with the primary leg of the Champions Cup towards Sporting Kansas Metropolis on February 18, simply 4 days after the Orlando pleasant. The second leg will comply with on February 25.
Amid these video games, Inter Miami may also kick off their 2025 MLS season on February 22 towards New York Metropolis FC. With 4 video games in 11 days between the Orlando match and the second leg towards Sporting Kansas Metropolis, Messi and the staff might want to rise to the event, with coach Mascherano fastidiously managing the veteran gamers’ minutes to navigate the demanding schedule.
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