Lionel Messi is set to return to the Inter Miami starting lineup for the MLS game against Nashville SC later.
Tata Martino has confirmed that the 36-year-old, who started on the bench against New York Red Bulls, will be fit to start, after being benched to rest after what has been a hectic schedule.
Nashville travel to face Miami at the DRV PNK Stadium, 17 points ahead of the hosts, who ended their winless run with a victory in New York.
Martino has confirmed that Messi, and Sergio Busquets, will return to the starting lineup, as Miami aim to continue to advance up the table.
“The game he needed, the key game for him to have a bit of recovery was the last one in New York, the same with Busquets,” Martino stated.
“If there are no issues, he should start.”
The Messi effect
There was some dismay from fans when Messi was benched against New York Red Bulls, with spectators forking out hundreds of dollars to see him in action, but they ended up getting their money’s worth when he came off the bench to score a glorious goal.
Miami’s winless run was brought to an end as Messi helped Martino’s side win the Leagues Cup, and now the club are off the bottom of the table, the aim is to keep progressing higher and higher.
Miami have a few games in hand on some of the teams above them, and with Messi leading the team, there may be belief that a very unlikely place in the playoffs can be reached.
Charlotte are 11 points ahead, having played two games more, but if Miami continue to keep winning, then this is a total which can be caught within a few games.
Miami have 11 games left in the regular season, which means a playoff place, whilst difficult, is mathematically possible.