As the MLS season unfolds, Lionel Messi continues to be the heart of the narrative surrounding Inter Miami, especially with the upcoming Copa America in view. Despite recent injury concerns, Inter Miami’s manager, Tata Martino, has a clear stance on how he plans to manage his star player, signaling no extraordinary measures despite Messi’s health challenges earlier in the season.
Lionel Messi’s Return to Form
After a hamstring injury sidelined Lionel Messi for three weeks, the Argentine superstar made a cautious return to the pitch, playing just 45 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Colorado. This conservative approach by Martino highlighted the balancing act of ensuring Messi’s readiness for the rest of the season without risking further injury. Despite a disappointing exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where Inter Miami fell to Monterrey, Messi’s form has been a silver lining.
Martino expressed confidence in Messi’s current fitness and readiness, stating, “There’s nothing special right now with Lionel Messi. We will be playing games on the weekends for the next few weeks, we just have one midweek game against Orlando City. We will evaluate those moments once the schedule begins to compress, but I don’t think we need to analyze a special plan [for Messi] because he feels good. He’s working well on a day-to-day basis, and at the pace we are going we will remain in the same way.” His comments suggest a strategy of normalcy, trusting in Lionel Messi’s self-regulation and resilience.
Standout Performances on the Field
Despite the early-season hiccups, Lionel Messi has demonstrated why he remains one of football’s most formidable figures. His performance in a recent match against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium was nothing short of spectacular. After falling behind to an early goal, Lionel Messi sparked a comeback with a brilliantly executed scooped finish to level the scores.
His influence continued throughout the match, directly contributing to the subsequent goals scored by Sergio Busquets and sealing the victory with a penalty kick. This match not only solidified his impact but also helped Inter Miami to maintain their lead at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
Managing Team Injuries
While Lionel Messi’s narrative continues to dominate headlines, Martino also provided updates on other team members, highlighting the challenges a squad faces over a grueling season. Jordi Alba, another former Barcelona star at Inter Miami, has also been battling injury issues. Martino remarked on Alba’s condition, noting, “Jordi suffered a muscle injury, he will miss this upcoming match and the next one. After that, we will begin evaluating on a game-by-game basis.” This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by the team in managing player fitness amidst a packed fixture list.
Noone else could of seen this pass other than Lionel Messi 🇦🇷🌟pic.twitter.com/HaxRKHaU4x
— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) April 19, 2024
As the season progresses and with the Copa America on the horizon, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi and how his performances will influence both his club and national team aspirations. Under Martino’s guidance, the strategy seems clear: trust in the process and the players’ own resilience. For Messi, every match is not just a game but a step towards proving his enduring class and fitness as he gears up for yet another demanding competition on the international stage.
