While Inter Miami have had a strong pre-season under new manager Javier Mascherano they have been sent a warning by former MLS player Herculez Gomez.
Mascherano has overseen an unbeaten pre-season so far with just rivals Orlando City FC left to play.
The Herons are in full preparation mode for their MLS opener against New York City FC which will certainly test their levels.
Although Inter Miami have added some strong additions to their side in the offseason, it is the old guard that Gomez has questions over heading into the new season.
Gomez concerned by ageing stars
It is no secret that some of Inter Miami’s biggest stars are growing in age. Lionel Messi (37), Luis Suarez (38), Sergio Busquets (36), Jordi Alba (35).
In a league which contains vast amounts of long-haul travelling and an extremely busy fixture schedule the likelihood of these older players being able to keep themselves fit and available is tough.
Inter Miami will be playing in the Leagues Cup as well as the Club World Cup stretching the squad to its limits.
Missed games in 2024:
- Lionel Messi – 20
- Luis Suarez – 8
- Jordi Alba – 7
- Sergio Busquets – 5
Suarez recently signed a new deal with the Herons while it is believed that Messi is closing in on a new deal despite his consistent links with a return to Barcelona.
Despite their availability this season, Gomez is worried about how often they will be stepping onto the field telling ESPN: “You miss Messi with the Argentine national team every time they’re in a tournament and Messi got injured.
“You look at Suarez who many thought wouldn’t be fit enough for MLS soccer and tore the league apart, but lets add a year to it, he’s now turned 38 and I don’t know how much that knee’s got for him or how much he’s going to have in that tank.”
“You saw Jordi Alba at times get injured and Busquets when they most needed him got injured during the MLS Cup playoffs, it was a team that didn’t know how to play without him.”
Mascherano looking to younger squad
The age of the Inter Miami squad has not gone unnoticed by new manager Mascherano who has acted quickly to try and bring in some young legs.
Mascherano’s plan beyond Messi is clear, he is looking to the future for sure.
Inter Miami has signed Telasco Segovia (21), Gonzalo Lujan (23), Tadeo Allende (25) and Maxi Falcon (27).
The push to youth is clear and it appears Inter Miami are not quite finished in bringing in some young talent with the Herons leading the race to sign 19-year-old attacker Mateo Silvetti.