Inter Miami Updates Lionel Messi’s Fitness Ahead of Final Matches
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has provided a fresh update on Lionel Messi’s fitness as the club gears up for the last two fixtures of the season.
Martino explained that the team will assess Messi’s condition after he finishes his duties with Argentina during the FIFA international window. Messi recently contributed both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru, showcasing his continued impact on the international stage.
Martino added that the evaluation will extend to all players who have represented their nations during the break. The coach emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary risks, especially with the potential for playoff qualification still on the line. The priority remains clear: care for players while safeguarding competitive chances when possible.
Messi had been sidelined for four games due to a muscle concern. He returned in the recent league encounter, coming off the bench to play 36 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to the Eastern Conference leaders. That result effectively ends any hope of a playoff run for Inter Miami this season, but the club will still pursue wins in its remaining matches to finish on a positive note.
Despite the late-season setback, Martino stressed that securing victory in both remaining games is essential. He described it as a responsibility to close the campaign with strong performances and to leave a positive impression going into the close of the season and into the off-season. The aim is to extract lessons from recent matches and apply them to the squad’s preparations for 2025.
In New York and beyond, Messi’s presence remains a highlight for fans and a signal of Inter Miami’s ambition. The club’s coaching staff will monitor his recovery and training load closely to ensure he can contribute effectively while staying protected from lingering issues. The season’s final two fixtures will be approached with a careful balance between competition and rest, guided by medical staff and performance data.
Though the playoff chances have dwindled, the club’s leadership remains focused on finishing the campaign with strong performances and reinforcing a positive image after a challenging stretch. The experience gathered over the closing weeks will influence decisions as Inter Miami plans for the next campaign, including how best to integrate Messi’s contributions with the squad’s evolving tactical approach.
The ongoing evaluation and strategic planning underscore a broader objective: maximizing every opportunity to compete at a high level while safeguarding star players for the long term. As the team prepares for its final two tests of the season, the coaching staff will balance the immediate goal of securing points with the longer-term vision of building momentum for 2025 and beyond.
Rewards from the current campaign may come in the form of improved squad cohesion, refined rotations, and a sharper understanding of how Messi fits into various game scenarios as the squad looks to close the season with purpose. The narrative remains hopeful, and supporters will be watching closely as the team closes out the year with two important assignments on the road and at home. The club will continue to share updates that reflect the evolving assessment of player fitness and the tactical plans for the final fixtures. [Goal]