Inter Miami is gearing up to take on the Argentine club in their final pre-season friendly in Miami before launching into their 2024 Major League Soccer campaign next week. Lionel Messi, who missed most of the team’s tour to Asia due to injury, has received the green light to play against his childhood club, according to manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Addressing attendees at an event held at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, the ex-Barcelona coach disclosed that the 36-year-old has fully recovered and is prepared to feature against his former team.
Martino informed the press, “Lio (Messi) is fine and will start. He’s a starter.”
The Argentine captain, a World Cup winner, faced scrutiny from Chinese authorities after he didn’t participate in the club’s friendly match against a selected Hong Kong XI last week. Despite a hamstring injury sidelining the star player, his absence on the field drew criticism from local fans and officials. The Beijing Football Association has purportedly scrapped Argentina’s upcoming international friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast, where Messi was expected to play in March.
Meanwhile, the Herons are nearing the completion of the signing of another Argentine standout, as they look poised to outmanoeuvre Bayern Munich in securing Federico Redendo – the son of former Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo. They are slated to kick off the new MLS season on February 22 against Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
This season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Vissel Kobe.
Inter Miami performance and stats
It will be Inter Miami ended the league in the 14th position with 34 points.
In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.