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News, Blog and GuidesHerons coach Gerardo Martino played down Messi receiving treatment against Nashville. The Argentina captain has had a busy schedule already this season.
Víctor Martín J.VictorMartJimRoddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Mar 9th, 2024 07:33 EST0
DONALD PAGEAFP
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was forced to use a familiar line when discussing Lionel Messi following the draw against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday. “He finished the game fine, but he was tired. He has muscle fatigue in the back of his legs, but that’s logical”.
Messi’s hectic start to the 2024 season
The former Barcelona and Mexico manager didn’t appear overly concerned with the fact Messi required treatment in the first half of the match at Geodis Park.
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Lionel Messi scored in Inter Miami’s draw at Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16. DONALD PAGEAFP
Although the season has only just begun, the vast number of games and indeed trips in a short space of time take their toll on all players, not just a veteran. Since reporting back with The Herons after the winter break, Messi has played 10 matches, which have included a preseason tour of Asia and a trip from the east coast to the west to face LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami must manage Messi’s workload after 2023 issues
At the age of 36, Messi is more vulnerable to such fatigue and being overworked than ever before, despite having looked after himself well through his career. As well as a hectic club schedule, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will join up with Argentina in under two weeks, although the reigning world champions will at least be playing two games in the United States.
🗣️Tata Martino considers that Lionel Messi's wear and tear in the last two games has been a lot. He wants messi to be there to finish the plays and that has not happened in these weeks!Via @Jarm21 pic.twitter.com/q5u4dYGA7p
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) March 1, 2024
