After missing his fourth-straight game for the Herons Wednesday, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino delivered a health update on Lionel Messi.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Herons suffered a leg one loss to CF Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Wednesday evening, falling 2-1 at home at Chase Stadium. Without Messi in the squad – despite him being marked for a potential return to the pitch against Rayados – they collapsed in the second half after being reduced to 10-men in the 65th minute via a David Ruiz sending off.
Postgame, Martino spoke at length about the match, but revealed that he himself is not quite certain when Messi will next be available. However, there are two upcoming matches on the cards that they’d like to have him back for.
WHAT MARTINO SAID
Speaking postgame on the Argentine, the Herons boss said “Well, as we mentioned, things are improving day by day. Playing him today was risky, as he is not completely ready, and this will be the case against Colorado and, next Monterrey match.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Herons have only won two out of twelve matches without Messi since the Argentine’s arrival at South Beach in July 2023. They struggle without their superstar, and Wednesday was the perfect example why. They lacked leadership in the final third, and beyond what skills he brings to the pitch, it’s one of Messi’s most redeeming qualities.
With two matches over the next seven days, it remains to be seen what his fitness levels looks like, but if the Herons want to advance to the next round of the Champions Cup, odds are they will need him.
WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
The Herons return to MLS action on Saturday, with a match against the Colorado Rapids on the cards. Then, it’s the return leg to Mexico against Monterrey to attempt to pull off a comeback against the Mexican club.
Messi, meanwhile, will be evaluated further over the next few days to determine when he is ready to play.
