Luis Suárez has been among the goals in the Argentine’s absence but Tata Martino will be eager to get Messi back in the Herons’ line-up.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Apr 6th, 2024 21:27 EDT0
MEGAN BRIGGSAFP
Inter Miami will look to get back to winning ways against Colorado Rapids on Saturday. The Herons have floundered in recent weeks, suffering defeats to New York Red Bulls and Monterrey and drawing against struggling New York City FC.
Team captain Lionel Messi has been absent for the past four matches and the Herons have underwhelmed without their talisman. The 36-year-old has returned to the matchday squad for the visit of Colorado but Messi starts on the bench. Here’s the starting XI…
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Speaking to the media on Friday, Miami assistant coach Javi Morales said that Messi had been “improving day by day” and suggested that he was close to a return: “We will see how he feels in training. If he feels good, Tata will surely want to play him for 10 minutes, 15 or 45, but it is certain that we want to have him back.”
Inter Miami injury news updates
The news of Messi’s return to the matchday squad is good news for Inter Miami but his is one of a number of injury issues that has blighted the Herons in the early season. Facundo Farias and Ian Fray remain out with long-term injuries and there have been a few other additions to the Chase Stadium medical room.
Recent signing Federico Redondo is expected to miss another month after picking up a knee injury. Martino will also be without Robert Taylor, Yannick Bright and Sergii Kryvtsov, all of whom are suffering hamstring issues.
