Lionel Messi was back in action last night for Inter Miami as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner started against the Philadelphia Union.
Two goals and an assist from the Argentine saw the Herons claim yet another win in MLS and extend their lead at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, with Messi looking as good as ever for Inter Miami.
Having not played for the Florida franchise since June, it was strange to see Messi last the entire game as the 37-year-old was not brought off by Tata Martino, with veteran attacker Luis Suarez also playing the entire 90.
Yet Martino had his reasons as to why Messi was not brought off.
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Martino says Messi staying on helped Inter Miami to 3-1 win
Speaking to the press after the game, Martino highlighted how Messi and Suarez were involved in the third and final goal of the match, with the Inter Miami manager saying that replacing players who can change the game is difficult.
Martino said when asked why Messi wasn’t taken off against the Philadelphia Union: “Look who was involved in the third goal. It is very difficult to take out game changers like them because they show up and deliver at any moment.”
With Messi saying he felt tired after the full-time whistle, Inter Miami need to be cautious with how much they’re using the Argentine international in upcoming games leading up to the MLS play-offs.
Yet with Messi coming away from his first game back with Inter Miami unscathed, the Herons know they need to be cautious with how much their star attacker is now playing, with another injury the last thing Martino wants.
Clik here to view.
Messi and Martino need to be on the same page over minutes played
Messi’s return for Inter Miami could go down in history as the moment the Herons won the 2024 MLS Cup, with the Argentine the greatest of all time and a player who can change the tide of games with a single moment.
Yet with a handful fo regular season games left to go, Messi and Martino need to be on the same page in how many minutes the 37-year-old plays, with the veteran simply not capable of playing all the time for Inter Miami.
Rest and recovery will be key for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup, and Messi needs to be honest with Martino if he believes he needs to sit out a game or two to help with his recovery.
