Gerardo “Tata” Martino said, this Tuesday at a press conference, that he does not guarantee the ownership of Lionel Messi for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Rayados de Monterrey.
The Argentine coach assured that after the training they would have this Tuesday he would decide whether or not to play him in the duel against Monterrey in Mexico.
“It’s okay, it felt good to have played 45 minutes at the weekend, but we have training left.” today and then we will see. It seems that the injury is being left behind, our season is just beginning and we must have healthy players,” he explained prior to the duel in the Champions Cup.
Inter Miami needs a victory by more than one goal after the defeat in the match outbound last Wednesday. Messi did not play minutes in that game and played 45 against Colorado on the last MLS date.
“The difference with the previous match is due to our need, we will try to go out and look for at least two goals and understanding that we have a rival in front of us who plays with the peace of mind of having won on the road,” Martino added.
The Argentine coach returned to the country for the first time since he resigned as coach of the Mexico team after Qatar 2022.
The fervor for Lionel Messi in Mexico
Miami must win the series if it intends to stay alive in the competition in which the winner will qualify for the next Club World Cup.
In addition to the trophy and the ticket to the World Cup, this series has added interest Since after the first leg, Messi went down to the locker room to face the Argentine Fernando Ortiz, coach of the Rayados, and part of his coaching staff.
“For someone like him, who has competed as he has done at a professional level since he was 16, he does not need any extra or special situation to feel motivated. The day he doesn’t do it, he will leave football,” said Martino,
Regarding the reception that Messi had from hundreds of fans who waited for him at his concentration hotel, Martino stated that it was something to be expected.
“Leo’s presence transcends all types of situations, people love football, regardless of the shirt, and we were sure that this was going to happen like when we go to other cities in the United States.”
Keep reading:
– Messi untouchable in Monterrey: The star arrived in Mexico and was applauded, but no one could get close
– “Tano” Ortiz confesses ahead of the match against Inter Miami: “Lionel Messi is indecipherable”