Inter Miami will begin the MLS season against Real Salt Lake, and fans will be looking forward to seeing Lionel Messi in action. The Argentina international has been plagued by injuries during the pre-season tour, with his game time limited due to an adductor problem. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez was absent due to fitness issues.
Ahead of the opening MLS match, Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino gave a major update on the 2022 World Cup winner and former Barcelona teammate’s fitness. “Messi and Suarez are ready to play. If 90 minutes is required, we will decide according to the needs of the team,” he said.
Commenting on the match, he said: “We prepare for the match in every possible way in case we are under pressure in the build-up or if the rival team falls behind. What we usually do is: “It’s about trying to come up with answers to possible battles.” I believe we can pick ourselves up and get there in time for the start of the league tomorrow.”
Messi faced criticism in Hong Kong during Miami’s preseason tour. He missed the friendly, leaving the fans completely disappointed and angry. 38,323 fans attended the stadium, spending more than HK$1,000 on tickets.
Messi remained on the bench and did not appear as a substitute in the match against Hong Kong Eleven. Meanwhile, Luis Suarez also sat on the bench and did not play at all. Fans chanted “We want Messi” throughout the second half, and once it was confirmed that Messi would not be playing, calls for refunds began. As the final whistle blew and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham tried to thank the crowd for their support, the fans jeered and booed him with a thumbs-down gesture.
Despite his absence, Inter Miami ran riot and won 4-1 with goals from Robert Taylor, Lawson Sunderland, Leonardo Campana and Ryan Silo.