Lionel Messi Set for MLS Debut Against Real Salt Lake, Says Inter Miami Manager
Lionel Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in their opening Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, February 21. The Argentinian captain will embark on his first full season in the United States.
Having faced some fitness challenges during the preseason, which led to him missing a few games, Messi has now been deemed fit to play by Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino.
Martino confirmed that both Messi and Luis Suárez are ready to take the field against Real Salt Lake, expressing confidence that they can play the entire 90 minutes if necessary. Martino was quoted saying (via 90 min):
“Yes, they are there to play, and if the 90 minutes are required. Then we always see this depending on the needs of the team.”
Messi is expected to join forces with his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez in the attacking lineup. Suarez, a recent addition to the David Beckham-owned team, will reunite with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, among others.
Despite the star-studded duo leading the attack, Martino has other options available, including Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor, who played significant roles for Inter in Miami last season.
Inter Miami heads into the match following a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys in their last preseason game, where Messi featured for 60 minutes before being substituted. This matchmarks Messi’s first encounter with Real Salt Lake in his MLS career. Last season, Real Salt Lake finished fifth in the Western Conference with 50 points from 34 regular-season games.
