Messi and Suárez Start on Bench for Inter Miami Against Atlanta

Lionel Messi did not start in Inter Miami’s match against Atlanta United on Wednesday night.

As Miami faced their second match within the week, Coach Gerardo Martino chose to keep Messi on the bench. The coach expressed concerns about overworking the renowned player, especially since Messi is returning from an injury and the team is navigating a hectic schedule.

Alongside Messi, two other crucial players for Miami, Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba, were also benched. This game attracted significant attention, particularly from fans eager to see Messi in action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Messi had missed the previous encounter between the two teams a year ago, disappointing a crowd of over 71,000 spectators. This time, however, he was present in the stadium, setting the stage for a potential appearance in the second half.

The iconic 37-year-old player marked an impressive return to the Miami lineup the previous Saturday, following a lengthy absence due to various commitments and an ankle injury suffered during the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14. In that match, he played a vital role by scoring two goals and providing an assist, leading Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

Currently, Miami boasts the best record in Major League Soccer and is vying for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, had been sidelined from Inter Miami since June 1 due to international duties and injury. Following the match against Philadelphia, he remarked, “A little bit tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami, but I wanted to return so much after such a long time away. I started training with the group and began to feel better.”

During the match against Philadelphia, Messi scored two goals within a four-minute span, turning the tide after an early goal from the opposition.

Suárez played a critical role in the match, assisting on one of Messi’s goals and later securing the game with a goal from a Messi assist during stoppage time. This marked Suárez’s 17th goal of the season.

Before the match against Atlanta, Messi had already achieved an impressive record of 14 goals and 14 assists in league play despite only playing in 13 matches.

The anticipation for the match against Atlanta was palpable, with fans hoping to see the celebrated forward contribute on the field. Although he started on the sideline, Messi’s presence alone sparked excitement and charged the atmosphere at the stadium.

As the season progresses, Messi’s involvement and performance will be crucial for Inter Miami’s aspirations for success in both the league and playoffs. The management’s decision to manage his playing time carefully underscores the importance of maintaining his fitness and overall health for the remainder of the season.

The fans and the entire soccer community continue to watch Messi closely as he navigates through this busy schedule, eagerly anticipating his performances that define his illustrious career.

Source: Associated Press