Tata Martino has issued a fitness update on Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami captain made a 30-minute cameo off the bench earlier today against Vissel Kobe.
The Argentine international was cleared to play in Tokyo this evening against the reigning Japanese champions, with Messi missing Inter Miami’s previous pre-season fixture against Hong Kong XI.
Despite some concerns, Messi was excellent against Vissel Kobe, with the Inter Miami star winning praise from the media despite the Herons losing on penalties.
And speaking to the Miami Herald, Martino has issued a positive fitness update on Messi, with the Herons manager revealing that the forward is feeling ‘very happy’ after his appearance from the bench.
With Inter Miami now heading back to Florida and not scheduled to play until next week, this update from Martino on Messi as good as they come heading into the new MLS season later this month.
Martino said: “After training Tuesday Leo said he felt good, and we made the decision he would play 30 minutes. He was very happy after the match because he felt comfortable out there.”
Inter Miami did the right thing with Lionel Messi vs Vissel Kobe
Messi was clearly not fit enough to feature last week against Hong Kong XI, an episode that has now delved into an international scandal with governments now getting involved.
Yet one thing is for certain, Inter Miami were right to rest their star forward for the pre-season fixture and the Herons got it right again today against Vissel Kobe.
Messi was itching to play and was given a good cameo from the bench, with the game immediately sparking into life once the Argentine was introduced in the second-half.
And heading into next week’s final pre-season friendly against Newells Old Boys, Messi could be fully fit in time for the 2024 MLS season, a prospect that will excite Inter Miami fans.