Boss Martino's final decision on Messi ahead of Inter Miami's last friendly game

Inter Miami's 2024 preseason is coming to an end and the start of Major League Soccer 2024 is getting closer and closer. The Herons had a difficult few weeks, as the team's performance and results during the friendly matches were far from expectations, with only one win, two draws and three losses. In addition, several players of the squad had physical problems, such as Facundo Farias (knee surgery, out for at least six months), Benjamin Cremaschi (groin hernia) and Sergio Busquets (minor ankle problem).

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But undoubtedly the biggest concern for David Beckham's side was Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward felt a muscular discomfort during the last minutes of the match against Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and had to be replaced. As a precaution, in the following matches he did not play or played very few minutes, which caused problems such as the scandal in Hong Kong.

Now Inter Miami must face their last pre-season friendly at the DRV PNK Stadium against Newell's Old Boys, the Argentine club where Leo played before leaving for Barcelona at the age of 13. For him and Gerardo Martino (who also played there and is a legend of the team) it will be a special match and that's why they want to face it with as much enthusiasm as possible.

This week a press conference was held at the Wynwood Convention Center with the participation of coach Martino and Maximiliano Rodríguez, former player of Liverpool, Atlético Madrid and the Argentine National Team, who was a legend of Newell's until his retirement in 2021. There, the manager confirmed the most awaited news: Lionel Messi is recovered and will be part of the starting lineup for Thursday's friendly match.

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It will be a demanding season

After the match against Newell's, Inter Miami will be less than a week away from the start of the MLS season. On Wednesday, February 21, The Herons will face Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium and in early March they will begin their participation in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will play the winner between Nashville SC and Moca.