Inter Miami coach Martino made a shocking decision that saved Lionel Messi

Inter Miami played this Friday their first friendly match of the season. It was at the Cuscatlan Stadium against the El Salvador National Team, in what was an unforgettable event for the more than 40,000 fans who had the opportunity to witness Lionel Messi's first visit to the country. And surely none of them left disappointed, as they were able to enjoy the magic of the Argentine forward.

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For The Herons, the motivation was completely different. Coach Gerardo Martino knows that this year will be very demanding because they will have to compete simultaneously in Major League Soccer and the CONCACAF Champions League, which will be their two main objectives during the season. That is why it is key for the team to play matches and improve performances in order to arrive in the best possible shape for the start of the tournaments.

With that goal in mind, the manager decided that the starting lineup will include the squad's main stars, such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Between them, they created the most dangerous chances in the first half: a shot by Leo and another by Alba, both saved by goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez.

However, after the break Martino made a decision that completely changed the match: he took off the four former Barcelona players to give them rest and prevent them from having physical problems by demanding more than necessary. And that turned out to be a wise precaution, as Facundo Farias, who had come on for Messi, was kicked by a rival player, suffered an injury that prevented him from continuing playing and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. If Martino had not made that change, perhaps the injured could have been Leo, which would have meant a serious problem for the team.

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What's next for them?

Inter Miami will immediately return to the United States, as on January 22 they will face Dallas FC in their second match of the year. And a week later they will start their tour in Asia: first they will play in Saudi Arabia against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, then in Hong Kong against an all-star team of that league and finally in Japan against Vissel Kobe.