Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has hinted that Lionel Messi will be part of Inter Miami’s pre-season plans.
Speaking to the press via Goal, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winning coach revealed that the 36-year-old forward will be involved with the Heron’s post-season plans.
Messi returned to Inter Miami action in the side’s last MLS fixture before the international break, though the forward has been suffering from muscle injuries since the Leagues Cup.
However, with Inter Miami now out of MLS playoff contention, Messi is expected to be rested greatly between now and the end of the season, with Scaloni saying the forward will feature in pre-season.
Scaloni said: “We won’t be affected by his break because we won’t be competing again until March. I imagine he will do his preseason with his team, it is not something that really worries us.
“It was already seen today, without having a lot of minutes like it was said. The most important thing is that he is healthy and that’s the best thing, he is managing his minutes.”
Inter Miami need Messi to be 100% fit for pre-season
Messi’s fitness has been a key reason why Inter Miami stumbled at the final hurdle in their bid to qualify for the MLS playoffs.
Yet with there now being nothing to play for, Inter Miami will want their star player as fit as possible heading into pre-season next year.
With a trip to Asia now planned, Messi will have plenty of time to get back to his best, with 2024 a year that Inter Miami can challenge for MLS Cup.