Lionel Messi is set to feature in the starting lineup as Inter Miami takes on LA Galaxy in a Major League Soccer (MLS) clash on Sunday, February 25. The Herons aim to extend their winning streak in 2024 after securing a victory against Real Salt Lake in their previous match.
In their opening game of the new MLS season on February 21, Inter Miami secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. Robert Taylor opened the scoring with an assist from Messi, and Diego Gomez sealed the victory with a late goal.
Messi, who played the full 90 minutes in the first game, provided reassurance to Miami fans after a pre-season marred by injuries.
Manager Gerardo Martino indicated that there are no new injury worries in the squad and hinted at fielding the same starting XI against LA Galaxy. Martino stated the following ahead of their trip to California (via AS):
“As of today we are not even 48 hours after the last game, and they have to complete their recovery, but yesterday all four were fine (Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba).”
He further mentioned:
There would be no reason to change if we didn’t have to take into account that we played three days ago, so we have to be prudent, but there is a chance (that he could repeat the same XI that won against Real Salt Lake).
Thus, Lionel Messi is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup against LA Galaxy, potentially forming a three-man attack alongside Robert Taylor and Luis Suárez.
While Inter Miami is already into their second game of the 2024 MLS season, LA Galaxy will kick off their campaign with this match. The LA Galaxy, the former team of Inter Miami owner David Beckham, finished 13th in the Western Conference last season, missing out on a playoff spot.
