Inter Miami boss gives Lionel Messi fitness update ahead of 2024 MLS season as Tata Martino also explains why Luis Suarez is not firing in front of goal just yet

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner saw his fitness generate plenty of headlines during a historic international tour for Inter Miami that took them from El Salvador to Japan via Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. His absence from one friendly fixture in the Far East sparked a sporting and political storm that continues to rage.

Messi was, however, able to play an hour of the Herons’ final warm-up game against Newell’s Old Boys – his boyhood club – and is raring to go ahead of the new domestic season in the United States. Tata Martino told reporters when asked for an update on the Argentine icon: “Our plan was for Leo to play 45 to 60 minutes and he played almost 60 and felt good. The way he was playing, the way he accelerated, it looked like he is fully recovered. The idea is for him to be ready for the 21st.”

While Messi has worked his way up to full speed, Inter Miami are still waiting on Luis Suarez to find a spark in the final third. Martino added on the veteran Uruguayan striker, who is having to manage long-standing knee problems: “Physically he looked good, but what impeded his preseason is not enough time working with the group. Leo, (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba know him from before but the other players don’t know his tendencies, especially players who will be in the attack with him, like (Julian) Gressel and (Diego) Gomez. They need more time together.”

Inter Miami will open their MLS campaign at home to Real Salt Lake on February 21. Martino admits that there may be more movement on the transfer front prior to that game – in and out of DRV PNK Stadium – with a deal said to be close for Argentine midfielder Federico Redondo.