Lionel Messi, the star player for Inter Miami, was unfortunately named among the substitutes for the team’s latest game against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. This decision came after Messi missed the previous match due to an adductor injury, which caused disappointment not only for fans but also for the country’s government. Messi himself addressed the situation by telling reporters that he was feeling better compared to a few days ago, but was still unsure if he would be fit enough to play. He mentioned that his availability would depend on how training sessions progressed.
Despite Messi’s absence, other key players like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez were all included in Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s starting lineup for the game against Vissel Kobe. However, Busquets had to be substituted midway through the first half after sustaining an ankle injury. This further complicated Inter Miami’s situation, especially since they had already faced challenges in their preseason tour.
The Barcelona connections were evident in the match against Vissel Kobe, as former Barça legend Andrés Iniesta, who spent five years at Vissel Kobe before moving to the United Arab Emirates, was on the opposing team. This added an extra layer of nostalgia and significance to the game for both players and fans alike.
Inter Miami’s preseason has been less than ideal, with only one win so far against the Hong Kong League XI. They were defeated by Al Hilal and Al Nassr from the Saudi Pro League, highlighting the team’s struggles in the buildup to the new season. Messi, in particular, had a limited impact in the match against Al Nassr, coming on as a late substitute while Cristiano Ronaldo missed out entirely due to injury.
Messi’s absence due to injury has posed a challenge for Inter Miami, especially given their mixed performance in preseason games. The team will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures to ensure they are ready for the season ahead. With key players like Messi and Busquets facing fitness concerns, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested in the coming weeks.
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