Goat.com
Inter Miami coach Tara Martino confirmed that Lionel Messi, along with longtime friends and teammates Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, will play in the upcoming match against Atlanta United. The trio, who sat out the previous game against Vancouver, will rejoin the lineup before Messi departs for Copa América duty with the Argentine national team.
With two matches scheduled this week, including the game against Atlanta and another against St. Louis City SC on Saturday, Inter Miami aims to maximize Messi's playing time before his international commitments. Martino emphasized the importance of prioritizing player health, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Messi's availability for the weekend fixture.
Martino revealed that the Argentine national team plans to train at Inter Miami's facilities, providing Messi with a seamless transition from club to country. This arrangement allows Messi to remain in the United States and minimizes travel ahead of Copa América.
Despite Inter Miami's current lead in the MLS Eastern Conference, Martino remains cautious about overexerting Messi and his teammates. The coach stressed the need to manage player workload effectively, especially considering the impending Copa América tournament.
Messi's impact on Inter Miami's performance this season cannot be overstated. With 10 goals and 12 assists, he has been instrumental in the team's success, alongside Suárez, who has contributed 11 goals. Their partnership on the field has propelled Inter Miami to the top of the conference standings.
The upcoming match against Atlanta United presents an opportunity for Inter Miami to extend their lead in the Eastern Conference. With Messi, Suárez, and Busquets back in the lineup, the team aims to maintain their momentum and secure another crucial victory.
Fans eager to watch Messi in action can tune in to the game against Atlanta United on Wednesday at Chase Stadium. The match will be available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, providing viewers with an opportunity to witness Messi's magic on the pitch.
In the meantime, Messi spent the weekend training with Inter Miami and supporting his son, who participated in the club's Youth International Cup. Despite his superstar status, Messi embraced the role of a supportive parent, enjoying quality time with his family and immersing himself in the club's community activities.
Looking ahead, Messi will transition to international duty with Argentina, beginning with training sessions next week. Argentina is set to play two warm-up matches against Ecuador and Guatemala before Copa América kicks off on June 9.
Argentina's Copa América group stage fixtures include matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru. If Argentina advances beyond the group stage, they will face potential quarterfinal and semifinal matchups in Houston, Arlington, and New Jersey, respectively.
The Copa América final is scheduled to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, offering Messi a chance to showcase his talents on home soil. As Messi embarks on his international journey, Inter Miami fans eagerly anticipate his return to club action following his Copa América campaign.
