Lionel Messi Injury Update: Inter Miami boss Tata Martino delivers positive news about superstar

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has confirmed Lionel Messi is likely to be fit ahead of the club’s new MLS season starting soon.

Messi missed the entirety of Miami’s 4-1 win over Hong Kong earlier this month due to a hamstring injury. The same limited him to short cameos against Al Nassr and Vissel Kobe as his team ended up losing both games.

However, the Argentine started in a rather emotional game against his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys on Friday, February 16. Messi played an hour and was then replaced by Lawson Sunderland in a 1-1 draw.

Following the match, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino Press Conference confirmed Messi’s substitution was pre-planned. He also revealed that Messi is on track to face Real Salt Lake in Miami’s season opener.

”Our plan was for Leo to play 45 to 60 minutes and he played almost 60 and felt good.

“The way he was playing, the way he accelerated, it looked like he is fully recovered. The idea is for him to be ready for the 21st.”

Lionel Messi’s presence will be crucial for Inter Miami and Martino will hope his talisman returns to full fitness soon. Miami have played seven pre-season games so far, winning just one of those. They have lost three and drawn three of the remaining games. The club will look to resurrect their form before the league season resumes.

Messi joined Miami as a free agent after terminating his contract with Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023. He has made 14 appearances for the club across competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. He will look to make a big impact on the team in his first full season with them.

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