Tata Martino explains why Lionel Messi played full match for Inter Miami despite just making injury return
Inter Miami boss Tata Martino explained why Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes despite just returning from injury in Inter Miami's clash against Philadelphia Union at the Chase Stadium on Sunday (September 15). The Argentine scored a brace, cementing the Herons' position atop the MLS Eastern Conference table with 62 points. FC Cincinnati are second with 52.
Despite the home team taking the lead with barely 60 seconds on the clock, Lionel Messi scored a quickfire brace (26' and 30') to end the first half 2-1. The Argentine also provided an assist to Luis Suarez at the stoppage time (90'+8) to end the game 3-1 for the visitors.
In the press conference after the game, Tata Martino commented on how Messi and Suarez's presence helped Inter Miami score the third goal in the dying minutes. The Herons boss also explained why substituting marquee players like Lionel Messi can be a risky affair.
“Look who was involved in the third goal. It is very difficult to take out game changers like them because they show up and deliver at any moment,” he said (via Inter Miami News).
Lionel Messi was sidelined for two months because of a nasty ankle injury he picked up during the first half of the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14. Despite carrying on for another 30 minutes, the Argentine was finally subbed off.
"The truth is, I’m a bit tired" - Lionel Messi speaks about his delayed recovery after comeback match
Lionel Messi spoke about his recovery process and the team's performance after the 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union on September 15. The Argentine cited the weather as one of the reasons for his extended rehabilitation after the ankle injury sustained in the Copa America 2024 final.
"The truth is, I’m a bit tired because of the humidity and the heat in Miami. I was really looking forward to playing again after so much time. We know the team we have, we’re deservedly in the first place," commented Messi.
At 37, Messi is well into the fag end of his career and will not be able to play all 90 minutes of every Inter Miami match going forward. Tata Martino and Messi must communicate so that he can be available for important matches while skipping some less crucial ones.
The Argentine will be back in action when Inter Miami will face Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 19. It will be interesting to see if Tata Martino plays him for the entire game or uses him as a substitute.