"We have to see it day by day" - Inter Miami boss Tata Martino provides Lionel Messi fitness update ahead of Atlanta United clash
Gerard Martino has suggested he may manage Lionel Messi's minutes ahead of Inter Miami's clash with Atlanta United. The Herons collide with the Five Stripes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday (September 19).
Lionel Messi will likely play some part in that game after returning to action in his side's 3-1 win against Philadelphia Union (September 15) following a two-month absence. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner recovered from a right ankle sprain he picked up during Copa America with Argentina earlier in the summer.
The Argentine icon bagged a brace as he quickly got back to his scintillating best for Martino's Inter Miami. His manager gave an update on whether fans can expect to see him in action against Atlanta (via ESPN):
"Leo is fine, he ended the game well. Tired, obviously. 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."
Messi has lit up the MLS this season with 14 goals and 10 assists in 13 games for the Herons. His sensational form has helped Martino's side climb to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference Standings with 62 points from 28 games.
Martino says he will decide after Tuesday's training session whether Messi will start against Atlanta. His side are also in action against New York City (September 21) and Charlotte FC (September 29).
MLS pundit Matt Doyle gives glowing verdict of Lionel Messi's 'classic' goal in Inter Miami win vs. Philadelphia
Lionel Messi put on a show on his return to action with Inter Miami after recovering from his ankle sprain. He was at the double, and his second goal was one to savour.
MLS pundit Matt Doyle was wowed by Messi's strike and gave an in-depth insight into what made it one of the Barcelona legend's classics. He told the Extratime podcast:
"The second one was just a classic Messi goal where he releases the pass and then somehow nobody tracks him. And he gets in that spot between the penalty spot and the 18-yard line and first-time finishes with that left foot. He’s scored that goal 500 times in his career."
Messi not only grabbed a brace but also set longtime teammate Luis Suarez up for Inter Miami's third. It was Martino's men's 19th win in 28 MLS games and they are firing on all cylinders.