Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has announced that Lionel Messi will make his starting XI for the second leg of a Champions Cup clash with Monterrey.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Argentine superstar sat out the Herons’ first meeting with Mexican opposition as he continued to nurse a troublesome hamstring injury. Messi was, however, able to return to action in a MLS meeting with Colorado – and found the target off the bench in a 2-2 draw.
WHAT MARTINO SAID ABOUT MESSI
With Inter Miami needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Monterrey in order to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, Martino has said when asked if Messi will be included from the off: “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.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Martino says his side will be focused on sporting matters against Monterrey, despite seeing their opponents lodge a complaint after Messi and Co angrily confronted the match officials and opposition coaching staff following a 2-1 defeat at Chase Stadium. Martino added on a contest that now has more riding on it: “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.”
WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
Inter Miami have gone four games without a win in all competitions – three of those without Messi at their disposal – and will be eager to rediscover a collective spark when taking in a midweek trip to Mexico.
