After Inter Miami’s elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup they have put their defeat behind them and are now focusing their efforts on the MLS campaign, where they lead the Eastern Conference.
To play against Nashville, the Herons will have a luxury squad with Lionel Messi and Luis Surez, but will be without Jordi Alba due to a muscle injury, which is expected to be a long absence, as mentioned by Miami’s coach, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
In a press conference, Martino said that “Jordi suffered a muscle injury and will miss the next game and the next one. After that, we will evaluate him on a matchday-by-match basis.“
Regarding Messi, Martino said that the former Barcelona striker will be present for both the match against Nashville and the next match against Orlando, as he physically free of discomfort.
I don’t think there is a need for a special plan for Messi because he feels fine. He is working day by day and at the rate we are going he will continue that way
No rotations on the horizon
Martino added that now without the pressure of the Concachampions on Inter’s schedule, his team will be able to focus on staying in the top spots in the conference, envisioning a playoff outlook.
“When the team plays only one competition, as is the case this week, and we have games every six or seven days, there is no motivation to rotate unless there is some specific risk situation. Without that kind of situation, there will be no rotation plans.” He added.
That is why ‘Tata’ is confident that week by week Messi will be able to shine in MLS, before the start of competitions such as the Copa America and the Olympic Games, where Inter will give players to Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States.
The former Barcelona coach added “We have a month ahead of us before everyone is available. But then the Copa America and the Olympics will come and we will have absentees.”
“There is nothing special now with Messi. He will play games on weekends and in the next few weeks, we only have one midweek game against Orlando City. We will evaluate those moments when the schedule starts to tighten up.” He concluded.
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