Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has provided an update on Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s MLS home match against Charlotte FC.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has provided an update on Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s MLS game against Charlotte FC.
The Argentina international is still building up his match fitness after recently returning from a two-month injury break.
Messi was sidelined for a while after sustaining an ankle injury in the Copa America final, but returned for a home match against the Philadelphia Union earlier this month.
The 37-year-old had an impressive performance against Philadelphia, recording two goals and one assist in a 3-1 win.
Messi was then dropped to the bench in the away game against Atlanta United, but returned to the starting lineup and played the full game in the recent 1-1 draw with New York City.
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Martino provides update on Messi’s fitness
The Inter Miami star has failed to make a goal contribution in the last two games, but Martino is confident Messi will find his best form ahead of the play-offs, which start next month.
Martino also hinted that Messi could return to Argentina’s squad for the next World Cup qualifiers.
“The more full time Leo plays, the better he’ll get,” Martino told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Charlotte.
“Obviously, Leo doesn’t need to do a lot of physical work during training and he needs to maintain a competitive rhythm every time he plays 90 minutes.
“When you think about that, you get the idea that he’s going to be in very good shape for the playoffs, because in addition to playing against us, he’s also playing against the national team. So we I have high hopes for him going into the playoffs.”He’ll be in great shape for the playoffs.” ”
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Inter Miami aims for Supporters’ Shield
Inter Miami currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with 64 points from 30 MLS games.
After an impressive campaign, they are on course to win the Supporters’ Shield, the award given to the team with the best result in the regular season.
If they defeat Charlotte on Saturday, Martino’s team can clinch the Supporters’ Shield with an away win against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
Inter Miami is nine points away from breaking the all-time MLS points record with four games left in the regular season.
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