Michelle Kaufman has hinted that Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami tonight in their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Monterrey.
Messi has been out of action for some time after the Heron’s captain picked up a hamstring injury in Inter Miami’s recent Champions Cup win against MLS rivals SC Nashville.
With Messi being kept rested since the tie last month, there have been strong hopes that the 36-year-old will be fit in time to feature against Monterrey in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Lionel Messi set to feature vs Monterrey tonight for Inter Miami
And speaking on Inside Inter Miami, journalist Kaufman has strongly hinted that Messi will be fit enough to play for Inter Miami later tonight in what is the franchise’s most important fixture to date this season.
Continental success is crucial for Inter Maimi in their goal to conquer North America, and Messi being fit for tonight and playing for Tata Martino’s side will be massive in this quest.
Kaufman said: “Tata did not rule him out for this game. He did train with the group and we saw him with our own eyes and was training with the full group on Tuesday.
“So the indications are that he is going to play, that they have been waiting and holding out for this game. Tata would not say or commit, but the indication is that he’ll play.”
Lionel Messi off the bench could be a game-changer
Messi is easily the greatest player to ever grace the Champions Cup no matter what year or form the competition has taken place in its history.
And for Inter Miami, even having the Argentine as an option off the bench is an incredible tool for the Herons to have, with Luis Suarez expected to start regardless.
Although Messi might not be fit enough to be named in the starting XI, the 36-year-old can be a game-changer from the bench for Inter Miami, with tonight a must-win game for the Florida franchise.