Lionel Messi and his fellow ex-Barcelona stars at Inter Miami will require rests in 2024, with Tata Martino revealing when that process could start.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Herons have drafted in Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez alongside eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. Their vast experience and considerable talent will be put to good use over the course of gruelling domestic and continental campaigns.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
All four are, however, well into their 30s and can no longer be expected to play every game. With that in mind, it is up to Martino to determine when to rotate them out and allow ageing limbs to recover from the demands of competitive action.
WHAT MARTINO SAID
That will not happen just yet, with a derby date against Florida neighbours Orlando City next on the agenda, but Martino said in the wake of a 1-1 draw at the LA Galaxy when asked when tinkering will begin: “We will have to evaluate the players all this week, but I think the real serious evaluation will be the following week. We have to see how they are recovering from these games, but I think our team looked fit, as they fought until the final moment.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?
Inter Miami have at least 34 MLS games to take in this season, before hopefully reaching the play-offs, while CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup fixtures have been added to their schedule. Messi will also be involved with Argentina at the Copa America, while he may yet agree to form part of a bid for gold medal glory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
