Argentina’s manager has no problem with Lionel Messi’s lack of matches for Inter Miami.
Ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, La Albiceleste’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, spoke in a press conference about Messi’s lack of minutes during Inter Miami’s latter half of the season: “How is Messi? He is in good shape, despite not having many games in the last month he comes in shape because he was training. He is good.”
With strong support from his boss, the Miami forward will likely play a full 90 minutes in both matches.
Messi’s last action on the pitch was on November 10th when Inter Miami took on NYCFC in a 2-1 loss at home.
Argentina is looking to stay at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, and Scaloni will hope the ex-Barcelona man can help keep them there.
Messi’s period of rest for Inter Miami in 2023
Despite being known for his high fitness, Messi did miss a few weeks’ worth of games for Inter Miami in 2023.
On September 20th against Toronto FC, the Argentine left the match early because of a recurring hamstring issue. The injury would keep the World Cup winner out for three weeks until he made his comeback for the Herons on October 7th vs. FC Cincinnati.
Since then, Messi has gone on to play in each of Miami’s remaining matches, including the team’s October 21st loss against Charlotte FC.
It’s natural that many reporters and fans would worry about the 36-year-old’s lack of playing time, but if Scaloni’s words are any indication, Messi should be ready to play in Argentina’s qualifiers.
As they get ready to take on two tough opponents in Uruguay and Brazil, the Argentine attack will be better with Messi on the field.