In a recent update, Inter Miami's coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has disclosed that Lionel Messi's physical condition is becoming a matter of concern as his highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) debut looms on the horizon.
Since his arrival at Inter Miami just last month, the 36-year-old Messi has made an impressive impact, aiding the team to secure their inaugural Leagues Cup victory and advancing to the finals of the US Open Cup.
Having accumulated eight appearances and over 700 minutes of playtime, Messi's inclusion in the squad has been pivotal. All eyes are now set on his potential debut against the New York Red Bulls this coming Sunday, an event fans and soccer enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. However, Martino has hinted at the possibility of Messi's limited involvement, stressing his current physical challenges.
Martino remarked, "Both Messi and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from today we will evaluate how we approach the next three games. At some point, Messi should stop to recover because playing every three or four days is a lot. But, as long as he doesn't tell me anything, he will stay on the pitch. You know how he is and how he likes to play."
The soccer legend has been quick to adapt to his new environment at Inter Miami, showcasing his prowess with an impressive ten goals and three assists. His influence was particularly evident during the intense semi-final match against Cincinnati in the US Open Cup, where he provided two crucial assists and confidently converted a penalty in the subsequent shootout.
However, Inter Miami's jam-packed schedule poses a challenge when managing Messi's playing time, especially given his age. While his on-field performance speaks volumes, it's apparent that careful consideration must be given to his physical well-being to avoid burnout.
Despite the concerns surrounding his physical condition, Messi's exceptional skill and undeniable impact on the team make it difficult to contemplate excluding him from future matches. As fans and analysts alike speculate on how Inter Miami will navigate this situation, the soccer world remains eager to witness Messi's official MLS debut and his continued contributions to the team's success.
