Messi celebrated his MLS debut with a goal coming off the bench but Inter Miami’s coach expects the Argentine star will miss more games.
Bryan ArellanoBryxn_AAndy HallEstados UnidosUpdate: Aug 27th, 2023 15:42 EDT
Vincent CarchiettaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Everything has been rosy for Inter Miami since Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba came on board. Without any doubt, they were the game changers in the best transfer window any team in Major League has ever had. Their impact has been immediate, and they have already helped to deliver the first title in the franchise’s history and with a real possibility of lifting another one, the US Open Cup, next month. For now, the objective is to get the team back on course in MLS. This weekend’s win against the New York Red Bulls has lifted the team off the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
For the team’s return to the league, Martino decided to start the match with Messi and Busquets on the bench – out of his trio of star signings, only Jordi Alba started.
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino on winning while rotating Lionel Messi “It’s something we have to get accustomed to. He’s going to miss at least 3 games — he’s going to get called up by his national team — & we need to keep winning.”Yedlin, Busquets, Kryvtsov rotated too pic.twitter.com/6p66amVyPw
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) August 27, 2023
The Argentine star replaced Campana on 60 minutes and on 88 minutes, made it 0-2. It was the perfect way to make his MLS debut – even if he did come off the bench.
It’s evident that the workload for the new No.10 and team captain has taken its toll, but also important to remember that he didn’t have a pre-season. Martino had mentioned before the game that Messi cannot be expected to start and finish every game but added that it will be up to the player to decide when to rest.
For his first regular season goal for the club 🎉Cremaschi ▶️ Messi!#RBNYvMIA | 0-2 pic.twitter.com/jyzfCqMKwQ
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 27, 2023
