Lionel Messi came on as a substitute against Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami coach Tata Martino provided an update on the Argentine’s injury.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered from physical problems during the pre-season with Inter Miami, playing very few minutes since the match against Al-Hilal. Messi missed the match against the Hong Kong eleven, which sparked intense controversy and anger from supporters. However, he played 30 minutes in the Herons’ defeat on penalties against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.
Martino was nevertheless reassuring to the Miami Herald: “ I think the game was balanced, they played better in the first half, they had chances to score and we improved as the game progressed in the second half. After yesterday’s training session Leo told me he felt good and we made the decision to bring him on for 30 minutes. He was happy after the match because he said he felt comfortable in this role. »
A very mediocre pre-season
Inter Miami have had a very poor pre-season so far, winning only one of their six matches, against a team from Hong Kong. The preseason began with a goalless draw against El Salvador, followed by a 1-0 defeat against FC Dallas, then 4-3 and 6-0 defeats against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Despite this, the club remains the bookmakers’ favorite to win MLS this season, thanks to their incredible firepower with players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, helping Messi.
The Herons will play their final friendly against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s former team, before beginning their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on February 21. We do not yet know if the Argentinian will be able to start either of these two meetings.
