Lionel Messi is set to return to Inter Miami’s starting lineup for its final preseason game against his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys on Thursday, according to Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
Messi has been battling a groin injury that led him to sit out Miami’s friendly in Hong Kong earlier this month, sparking a furor among fans and officials,
including in neighboring China, which subsequently canceled two scheduled Argentina friendlies in the country next month.
Martino said:
“I am happy to confirm that he [Messi] is going to start [tomorrow] because that is what we need to get him ready.”
“In our talks with Leo, we discussed how he feels for tomorrow.
It is important that he gets minutes as we get closer to the start of the season.”
Miami has previously apologized for Messi’s absence in Hong Kong, but stressing that a “player’s health must always come first.”
“Leo had some inflammation of his adductor during the first game against the Saudi club [Al Hilal].”
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“It wasn’t an injury that merited having him stop play nor one that merited any special care or treatment or specific time away. We took it day by day.
“That’s why he played 10 minutes during the first game and that is why he could not play in Hong Kong and that’s why he played a little bit longer during the game in Japan.
“Tomorrow for sure he will add minutes and if everything goes as it is going he will be in good shape for the beginning of the season.”
Inter Miami’s preseason journey has been marked by inconsistency, with setbacks including a defeat to Al-Hilal and a heavy loss to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s club, Al-Nassr.
As the new season approaches, slated to begin next Wednesday, anticipation mounts, particularly with the team’s home fixture against Real Salt Lake on the horizon.
Expectations are high for Inter Miami, especially with the addition of Suarez to the Squad.
Miami Fans eagerly await the team’s performance as they aim to make a mark in the upcoming season.
