Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has said he will “focus on the health” of Lionel Messi instead of being influenced by fans expectant that they will see the sporting great in his starting line-up.
Supporters are expected to fill Toronto’s BMO Field in the hope of seeing Messi play for Miami against the hosts in the MLS on Saturday, which could be talisman Messi’s sixth match in a month since returning from an ankle injury.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been the MLS’ most high-profile player since joining Miami in a coup for the club in July 2023, but another injury to the 37-year-old would be hugely damaging to Miami’s hopes of a first MLS Cup win.
The hype is on. We’re ready 😤#TORvMIA | 4:00PM ET | 📺 #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/1ODGbQ0Oj6 pic.twitter.com/QxhdCVohaY
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 5, 2024
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Lionel Messi vs Toronto
“I understand the expectations of the fans who go to see him,” said Martino, via the Miami Herald. “But we need to make decisions based on his health.
“He is coming off four-and-a-half games and has two more with Argentina coming up, with travel involved. We must be cautious with the minutes he plays because there are Fifa dates in October and November.
“I have said it before – it’s unfair that we have to respond to those expectations rather than focus on the health of our players and what is best for our team.”
Smile if you are a Supporters’ Shield Champion 🛡️✨
🛫 Toronto 🔜 pic.twitter.com/9khcddQl3E
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 3, 2024
Messi Miami stats
With the exception of a 29-minute substitute appearance at Atlanta, captain Messi has played throughout four of those five games.
He has scored five times and produced one assist, helping Miami seal Supporters’ Shield glory with two goals in a 3-2 win at Columbus Crew on Thursday.
“For [Messi] and the rest of the players who have been playing, the past two were very tough games against Charlotte and Columbus,” added Martino.
“We have to take the accumulation of minutes into account. For Leo, we understand that accumulating minutes has been good to get him back in rhythm.”
VAMOS INTER! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xIbQptQ3Bi
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) October 3, 2024
Messi schedule
Argentina visit Venezuela in 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying on October 10 (5pm ET) and host Bolivia six days later (8pm). They then head to Paraguay on November 14 and are at home to Peru on November 19.
After facing Toronto, Miami host New England Revolution in their final game of the regular season on October 19 (6pm ET). The MLS Cup play-offs run from October 23 until December 7.
