Coach Tata Martino explained why he and the Inter Miami board decided to give Messi special permission to continue resting for another 2 weeks, returning to competition after the FIFA Days schedule in September.
” Messi is fine. His fitness is up to the task, having had a lot of time to train with the team. However, we felt that, given the match (against Chicago Fire FC, who won 4-1 on September 1), and what he can bring to us, it would be better to do it after 15 days off from the FIFA Days schedule . We discussed it together and finally decided to choose the second option. If everything goes well, Messi will definitely return to the squad for the match against Philadelphia Union (at 6:30 on September 15),” coach Tata Martino explained.
Inter Miami Club Chooses Return Date for Messi
Photo: AFP
Choosing the second option would give Messi another 15 days off, allowing the 37-year-old player more time to rest with his family and fully recover from the right ankle ligament injury from the Copa America final in mid-July.
“Messi deserves a few more weeks of rest. He is also not focused on playing for the Argentina national team this time (September FIFA Days schedule with matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Chile and Colombia). This is a good solution for all parties. Messi’s safe and healthy return, both physically and mentally, and in top form, will benefit Inter Miami and the Argentina national team in the next stage,” coach Tata Martino emphasized.
In Messi’s absence, his close friend and veteran striker Suarez played extremely well and was in great form. The 37-year-old Uruguayan striker scored a total of 20 goals and had 8 assists in 27 matches in his first season playing for Inter Miami. Of these, 16 were in the MLS, ranking second in the top scorer list, behind only Cristian Arango (Real Salt Lake Club) and Christian Benteke (DC United) who both scored 17 goals.
Suarez thrives with Inter Miami
Photo: Inter Miami Club
“Suarez was at his best in the win over Chicago Fire FC, scoring twice. However, I don’t want to focus too much on praising him, because he always scores goals. Suarez is a top player. Everyone recognizes that.
What I want to emphasize is the way Suarez circulates the ball, always putting his teammates in the best position. He pushes everyone forward when Messi is absent. Suarez is the most important player we have with Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as well as with the others,” coach Tata Martino shared.
Suarez will soon say goodbye to the Uruguayan national team and end his international career. For the rest of the 2024 season, this famous player will join Messi and teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to conquer the MLS Cup championship as the ambition of Inter Miami Club has set.
Inter Miami FC’s biggest goal is to win the MLS Cup, so they are very cautious about Messi’s health.
Photo: Inter Miami Club
Inter Miami is currently the number 1 candidate for the Supporters’ Shield championship title (the team with the best record in the entire MLS scoring round with 29 clubs in the Eastern and Western regions), with 59 points, leaving behind opponents such as LA Galaxy and FC Cincinnati by 7 and 8 points respectively.
But the potential opponent that could make it difficult for Inter Miami in their goal of winning the 2024 MLS Cup is Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS Cup champion and the 2024 Leagues Cup champion, after eliminating Inter Miami in the round of 16.
