According to coach Tata Martino, Messi is gradually regaining physical strength and fullness and best performance right before the MLS Cup play-off round (playing since the end of October).
“As we all know, everything happened before the Copa America and it was extended a little bit during Messi’s injury. Now Diego Gomez, Suarez and Messi are all back and in good shape. It feels like we’re starting the season again with the best squad,” coach Tata Martino said at a press conference ahead of Inter Miami’s 6:30 a.m. MLS home game against Charlotte FC on September 29.
“We are very confident that Messi will be in top form for the MLS Cup playoffs. The upcoming matches for his club and Argentina will help him gradually gain the necessary rhythm. The more matches Messi plays, the better he will play.
Messi doesn’t need to train to increase his fitness in different ways, but he needs a competitive rhythm every time he plays 90 minutes. We will gradually help him reach his rhythm. The current process is suitable. Therefore, we really hope that he will be in the best form when the play-offs take place,” coach Tata Martino added.
Inter Miami are set to play three consecutive matches in just under 10 days, including a match against Charlotte FC on September 29, Columbus Crew (October 3) and Toronto FC (October 6), all away. Coach Tata Martino confirmed that Messi will participate in all three matches, but did not confirm which matches the 37-year-old Argentine will start or come off the bench.
“This week, we’re obviously in a crucial phase to stay on top of the table. Our first goal is to win the Supporters’ Shield. Then we’ll go into the MLS Cup playoffs with a relaxed mindset. We’ll evaluate how the upcoming games go and what we need. Remember, away games in MLS are always extremely difficult.
Therefore, we have to prioritize what immediate goals we need to achieve. After these three matches, there will be an international break. Some players will continue to play for the national team, such as Messi. The rest will have about a week to rest and recover. We prioritize, rotate the squad flexibly and according to the situation, because we do not want to risk any player – if anyone has a physical problem, we will take care of him immediately,” coach Tata Martino emphasized.
In the remaining 4 matches in the MLS qualifying round, in addition to the 3 consecutive matches above, Inter Miami also has a home match against New England Revolution on October 20 after the FIFA Days schedule.
Messi and his teammates only need to win the next 2 matches, including against Charlotte FC and especially direct competitor Columbus Crew, they will soon be crowned champions of the Supporters’ Shield. Thereby, they will have more time to rest and recover to aim for the MLS Cup play-off round to compete for the championship for the first time in the team’s history.
