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News, Blog and GuidesMartino believes the former Barcelona duo will be at 100% when Real Salt Lake visit DRV PNK Stadium next Wednesday.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaRoddy ConsRoddyConsEstados UnidosUpdate: Feb 16th, 2024 13:33 EST0
Sam NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Inter Miami’s last preseason game saw them play out a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys on a special night for Lionel Messi, who faced his boyhood team for the first time in his career. The good news for The Herons ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season is that the Argentina captain was able to come through an hour unscathed following recent muscle problems which hampered him during the ill-fated tour of Asia.
When do Inter Miami play their first MLS game in 2024?
Messi showed no signs of a relapse or indeed fatigue against Newell’s, with head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino singling him out for praise following his 60 minutes on the field at DRV PNK Stadium.
Tonight’s final at home 🏠 pic.twitter.com/zCzSGTx3cm
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 16, 2024
After the game, the former Mexico manager told the media that Messi had recovered well from his injury issues and that he was confident both he and Luis Suárez would be 100% fit for the MLS opener against Real Salt Lake next Wednesday.
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Messi “looked and felt really good” after muscle problems
“He looks to have fully recovered. Yes, we took things one step at a time. In Tokyo (against Vissel Kobe), he played for just 30 or 35 minutes, this time it was almost 60. The plan is for him to be in top condition for the 21st (Wednesday’s game against RSL). From what I saw on the field today, the way he sprinted and linked up with his teammates, he looked really good and he told me he felt really good we he came off,” Martino explained in a post-match press conference.
Inter Miami looking to improve Suárez understanding
Although Suárez has shown flashes of what he is capable of in his first few appearances for Inter Miami, Martino admitted the Uruguayan is still working on building an understanding with his new teammates, Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba apart.
Terminó la preparación. Estamos listos para la competencia 👊🏼Vamos @InterMiamiCF! 🩷 pic.twitter.com/rjkP1rzjI4
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) February 16, 2024
