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Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has insisted that he expects Lionel Messi to stay in the starting lineup ahead of the Copa America, despite the Argentine's injury woes this season.
Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury on March 15 and was sidelined for 21 days. Upon his return to the pitch, Martino opted to rest the 36-year-old, only playing him for 45 minutes in their 2-2 draw against Colorado at the start of the month.
However, Inter Miami were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, losing to Monterrey 5-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. The Herons will only compete in the MLS in the build up to the 2024 Copa America, which is scheduled to commence on June 20.
Martino said (via GOAL h/t ESPN):
"There's nothing special right now with Messi. We will be playing games on the weekends for the next few weeks, we just have one midweek game against Orlando City. We will evaluate those moments once the schedule begins to compress, but I don't think we need to analyze a special plan [for Messi] because he feels good. He's working well on a day-to-day basis, and at the pace we are going we will remain in the same way."
He also provided an injury update on former Barcelona star Jordi Alba:
"Jordi suffered a muscle injury, he will miss this upcoming match and the next one. After that, we will begin evaluating on a game-by-game basis."
Lionel Messi has had an outstanding start to his 2024 campaign, netting nine goals and providing five assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
Lionel Messi shines as Inter Miami defeat Nashville 3-1 in MLS fixture
Lionel Messi proved to be the hero once again as he inspired Inter Miami to an emphatic 3-1 win against Nashville at Chase Stadium on Saturday, April 20.
Franco Negri's own goal gave Nashville the lead in the second minute. However, Lionel Messi leveled the scores nine minutes later with a clever scooped finish. The Argentine ace was unfortunate not to make it two in two minutes after he struck the post in the 13th minute.
Sergio Busquets headed home from Messi's corner to give the Herons the lead in the 39th minute. The latter wrapped up his POTM performance in the 81st minute, scoring from the penalty spot to secure all three points for his side.
Inter Miami remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 18 points from 10 games, two points ahead of the NY Red Bulls.
