Experimental Lionel Messi plan revealed by Inter Miami boss Tata Martino as Herons look to keep superstar captain fit & firing

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has operated as a central striker at times throughout his career, but is at his mercurial best when filling a deep-lying playmaking post that offers him freedom to wander across the pitch. That has been the case during his time in the United States.

Messi has hit another purple patch of late, taking his goal tally for 2024 to 11 through 10 appearances, but he has already worked his way through a hamstring injury this season and Inter Miami are wary of asking too much from their talismanic captain.

With that in mind, Martino believes allowing Messi to slip into the striking berth usually occupied by fellow former Barcelona star Luis Suarez will give the 36-year-old opportunities to rest and recharge. He has said heading into a home date with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday: “We've talked about [Messi playing as a No. 9] and I think recuperating Leo in those points of the pitch is a great point for us. He doesn't exhaust himself coming and going, not that he can't do it, he can move anywhere he wants on the pitch, but we shouldn't deprive ourselves from the moment of his participation in the final moments of the play. Beyond being the greatest player in the world, he's a great goal scorer. So, we need to try to find him in different phases of the game. If he participates in every part of our attack, we have more opportunities.”

Messi sat out Inter Miami’s 4-0 defeat to the Red Bulls on March 23, but is very much in contention for a return date at Chase Stadium. His efforts so far this term have taken the Herons to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference, while also earning him Player of the Month honours and potential MVP recognition.