Will Lionel Messi start for Inter Miami against Monterrey? Tata Martino reveals plans for CONCACAF Champions Cup clash
Tata Martino has confirmed he plans to start Lionel Messi when Inter Miami face Monterrey this week. He admitted that the Argentine needed some minutes against Colorado Rapids and they were happy that he got to play the full second half.
Messi was out with a hamstring injury and missed the last few Inter Miami matches. He also sat out of the Argentina matches when they faced El Salvador and Costa Rica last month.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw to Colorado Rapids, Martino said:
“The idea is for Messi to start. He played 45 minutes [against Rapids], we know how difficult the next game will be. The most important thing is he came back, he felt good, he scored.”
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When asked about the influence of Messi on the Inter Miami squad, the manager added:
“What Leo did is what he always does, how he affects our team, all his team-mates, the fans, and the most important thing is he felt comfortable, he felt good, he felt loose, and that’s why it’s a shame to have to give up two points.”
Inter Miami were 1-0 down at half-time when Martino decided to introduce Messi after the break. He scored just 12 minutes after the restart, however they ended up drawing the game in the final minutes.
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Inter Miami not plotting revenge against Monterrey despite Lionel Messi’s return
Tata Martino has admitted that they are not traveling to Mexico to get revenge over Monterrey. He wants to win, but added that a loss would not end their season as they still have the league to focus on.
He said:
“No revenge. This has nothing to do with … I am not interested in all that. If we win, we win. If we lose, we come home and focus on the league. All the rest, the soap opera, that is not our focus.”
When asked if they missed Messi in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Martino added:
“We know it was a risk for him to play the first game against Monterrey. We knew, well we planned, because there are variables, that he would play some minutes today. We thought 30-45 minutes. He felt good. This helps us to arrive at the game (against Monterrey) next Wednesday with more confidence regarding his injury.”
Inter Miami are currently 2-1 down after the firstleg. The away goals rule is in effect at the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but if the match ends 2-1 again, it will be a penalty shootout and not extra time.
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