Inter Miami won’t take any risks with Lionel Messi despite ‘always missing him’ as Tata Martino hints at MLS rotation heading into Atlanta United & New York City FC games

The Argentina international made his return to action after two months out on Saturday night as he starred in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union. Messi displayed no signs of rust, scoring twice and providing an assist, but Martino has confirmed he was “tired” after playing the entire match, which lasted 105 minutes.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi’s return comes at a crucial point in the MLS calendar. The Herons are currently top of the Eastern Conference standings and are eyeing MLS Cup glory. For now, the focus is on ensuring that their star player stays fit and isn’t pushed too hard ahead of the playoffs, which begin on October 23.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Inter Miami face a busy run over the next few days which will require them to pay close attention to Messi’s fitness. Martino’s side take on Atlanta United on Wednesday before they head to New York for a clash against NYCFC on Saturday.

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    WHAT MARTINO SAID

    “Leo is fine, he ended the game well. Tired, obviously,” Martino said. “It’s the first 90 minutes in a long time, but it ended very well. He is going to travel to both games. He is available but there are three games this week with travel included, so we have to see it day by day.

    “Wherever he is, he will surely always be missed. So, obviously, we are very happy to be able to have him back in the team. We didn’t replace him individually because individually they cannot be replaced, but we have tried to ensure that collectively the team acquires a physiognomy that makes it reliable and I think that within what we have done it seems to me that it turned out quite well.”

    WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

    Messi and Co will be in action on Wednesday night against Atlanta, but they will be without the injured David Martinez and Noah Allen and the suspended Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles.