Lionel Messi was back in action for Inter Miami on Saturday at long last with the Argentine already at his best for the Herons.
Despite not having played in a professional match in three months, the current Ballon d’Or winner assisted one goal and scored two goals in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union. Messi already looks to be the finest player in MLS.
Messi, the captain of Inter Miami, is slated to play tonight for the Herons away to Atlanta United, despite his statement after the game that he was exhausted. The 37-year-old will also play this weekend against New York City FC.
The most recent fitness update for Messi has now been released by manager Tata Martino.
Messi looking good despite feeling tired after Inter Miami return.
In remarks to the media prior to tonight’s Major League Soccer match against Atlanta, Inter Miami manager Giancarlo Montagna claimed that although Messi is feeling fatigued following Saturday’s victory, the forward is looking well in practice and that it will be difficult to remove him from the starting lineup.
When questioned about Messi’s fitness following his Inter Miami comeback, Martino responded, “Leo came out of the last game fine.” Even though it was his first 90 minutes in a long time, he was obviously exhausted by the end, but he performed admirably.
“He will make the trip to both games, but we have to take it day by day and not overwork him or the other players because we have three games in a week, two of which are away. He had fifteen days during the international break to get back into playing shape, and once he gets going in a game, it is very hard to take him out.
“He was in a good mood, and even when he is exhausted, his mind is still active, so anything is possible.”
Messi needs to be treated with the utmost care now that he’s back.
With Messi returning fully fit and producing amazing performances despite playing little for club or country over the past three months, Inter Miami has the finest squad in MLS history.
However, with Messi only 37 years old and coming off a serious injury, Inter Miami must make sure he stays as fit as possible until the postseason play-offs later this year.
Messi wants to play as much as possible, but there should be reasonable expectations about how many minutes the Argentine plays. Messi’s fitness will be crucial for Inter Miami in their attempt to win the MLS Cup.
