Inter Miami faces the first of two games this week and fans are hopeful for the return of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Chase Stadium on Wednesday.
Inter Miami has gone ten consecutive matches without defeat in the current MLS season, underscoring the efforts of the Fort Lauderdale team under the guidance of Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who is now focused on the upcoming doubleheader of matches within the next four days.
Messi-Suárez focus for Atlanta clash
Aiming to complete a perfect week with three wins out of three, Miami is looking forward to the return of its star players. After Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets missed the game against Vancouver Whitecaps – with some fans wanting a refund for that reason – this former Barcelona trio are expected to return to the Herons’ lineup against Atlanta United.
In a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the match Martino emphasized that the main goal is for Messi, Suárez, and Busquets to play in both matches (Atlanta and then St. Louis).
“We’ll see tomorrow and then think about what’s next,” Tata explained. “The idea is for them to be present in both games. But first, we have to play tomorrow’s game to then think about St. Louis.”
Messi to swap Inter Miami for Argentina after St. Louis
Despite initially focusing on tomorrow’s match, Martino went a step further and confirmed that Saturday’s clash with St. Louis would be Messi’s last with Inter Miami before joining the Argentine national team for their preparation camp ahead of the Copa América.
The coach confirmed that Messi’s presence in this match is due to Argentina holding their training camp in the United States, specifically in Miami. This arrangement allows for greater flexibility in working with their captain and star player, who will briefly pause his club duties to focus on the 2024 summer tournament.
“There’s no need because they [Argentina] start their training camp between Sunday and Monday, and it’s clear that Leo will play the match on Saturday and then report to the national team. The good thing is that the Argentine national team decided to base their camp here in the United States, especially in Miami, and the matches are on this coast, so there’s not much travel involved. It’s good for him as well,” Martino added.
Finally, there was a hint at the possibility that Miami may also lose Suárez for several matches, as his inclusion in Uruguay’s preliminary list for the Copa América gives the striker a strong chance of participating in the continental tournament. “We know he is on a general list, and surely there will be updates this week,” Martino concluded.
