Messi returns to the main kick at Inter Miami

"I think Messi and Sergio Busquets need to rest in the last match, against New York. If there are no problems, Messi will start," Martino said on August 29 at a press conference before the match against Nashville.

This will be Messi's first match at DRV PNK's home field in the MLS framework, against Nashville. This opponent was defeated 10-9 by Inter Miami in the penalty shootout in the Leagues Cup final, after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes. That victory helped Messi's team win the first title in the club's history.

On August 27, in the 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls in the 35th round of MLS, Messi started on the bench before coming on as a substitute in the 60th minute. After that match, coach Martino admitted that the Argentine star needed a break. rest after a series of seven consecutive starting matches in two Cup tournaments. Despite being on the field for just over 30 minutes, Messi made a mark with a 2-0 goal in his debut in the MLS.

Inter Miami is at the bottom of the Eastern group, 11 points behind the MLS Cup Playoffs when the season is 11 games left. The MLS Cup Playoffs will take place in the Cup format, taking place at the end of the annual MLS season with the participation of the top 18 teams from the Eastern and Western groups. Inter Miami's top goal for the rest of the MLS season is to qualify for the tournament.

One problem Inter Miami faces is that they could lose Messi in two national team gatherings, September 4-12 and October 10-17. Coach Martino estimates Messi will miss three games because he has to play for Argentina. "We have to get used to being without Messi. He will miss at least three games. Messi will be called up for the national team and during that time we need to keep winning," the coach said. 60 years old said.

Argentina will meet Ecuador and Bolivia in the South American World Cup qualifiers on September 7 and September 12, respectively, while Miami will play two matches on September 3 and September 16. Messi is also likely to be absent from the match against Charlotte FC on October 18.

Besides Messi, coach Martino is at risk of missing 11 players for the match against Sporting Kansas, in which pillars such as DeAndre Yedlin (USA), Kamal Miller (Canada) or Serhiy Kryvtsov (Ukraine). Martino believes that the 2024 season will be less stressful for him as MLS is planning to adjust the schedule to be compatible with the FIFA calendar.