Lionel Messi and Inter Miami could face rotation in their XI vs Orlando City - with Tata Martino hinting at adjustments ahead of Concacaf Champions Cup debut

The Herons' boss spoke at a press conference at Miami training Wednesday, sharing with media that he is looking at the week ahead prior to their match Saturday evening. With two matches in six days, he has to plan his XI accordingly, and is taking it into account already.

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"In reality, we decided to face all the competitions with the best we have. Probably if this match had been in two or three weeks with a start of Concacaf Champions Cup perhaps we would be talking about a team not with the usual starters. In this case the season has just begins and we understand that the match with Orlando is very important to consolidate this start of the league and of course the debut in Concacaf Champions Cup is very important," said Martino, who has his eyes on their of their Round of 16 match against Nashville SC for on Thursday, March 7.

"We try to have a squad that allows us to be competitive on all fronts, then, of course, from one match to another we draw conclusions and what we try to do is win the league, the Champion Cup. Each time we build a more competitive team and we have the obligation, at least at the beginning, not to leave aside any competition," Tata concluded.

After winning the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, the Herons clinched an automatic berth into the Round of 16 of the North American tournament. They'll clash with a defensive-minded Nashville, who they defeated in the final of the tournament which saw them clinch a spot in CCC. Since Lionel Messi's arrival, they've played Gary Smith's side twice, drawing 0-0 before winning on penalties and then drawing 1-1 in league play. They'll be hunting for a victory this time around.

The Herons take on Orlando City Saturday afternoon in a South Florida classic. They'll be searching for their second home victory of the season before hitting the road to Geodis Park on Thursday, March 7.