There is a saying- it is not as easy as it looks. At the moment, the saying is making sense in the case of Lionel Messi and his team. Several fans and experts thought Inter Miami would score goals for fun after the reunion of Luis Suarez with La Pulga. However, the opposite has happened, as the Herons are yet to open their account in the pre-season fixtures. The manager, Tata Martino, is also concerned with the lack of goals.
The fans will also certainly hope that the team can find a solution to the issue. Let’s take a look at what the manager of the MLS giants had to say about the performances in the concluded friendlies.
Lionel Messi and his team face critical problems ahead of the season-opener
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The fans of Lionel Messi have certainly enjoyed the presence of their favorite player in the friendlies against El Salvador and FC Dallas. However, the concerns have already started appearing on the pitch. In both matches, the Herons have failed to score a single goal. The first was a goalless draw against El Salvador, and the next was a 1-0 loss against FC Dallas. In a recent interview, head coach Gerard Martino stated, “I also felt we improved a lot as far as control of the game, including in goal-scoring situations, we moved the ball well. If there is one concern, it’s that we didn’t score. But what we are seeking is a solid team, which little by little we will get as the roster finalizes.”
The Inter Miami boss also pointed out that the priority during the pre-season is that every player remains healthy. However, despite the recent star signing of former Barcelona forward Luis Suarez, the failure to score will concern him. The Herons have done well defensively, conceding only one goal in two friendlies. However, they must score more goals to compete for titles in the upcoming season.
Hence, the likes of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will anticipate they can address the problem in the upcoming friendlies. As far as the friendlies are concerned, the Saudi Arabia tour could face another significant talking point.
Read More:- Lionel Messi Came To the MLS For ‘Business Rather Than Pleasure’, Claims Charlotte FC’s Christian Fuchs
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The last dance in the Riyadh Cup remains a serious doubt
Despite arriving several days before, Al Nassr had to cancel their friendlies in China. However, what concerns the fans is that it was canceled because star player Cristiano Ronaldo was not physically fit to play a single minute in both games. The recent update comes a week before their game against La Pulga’s Inter Miami in the Riyadh Cup.
To add to the fans’ apprehensions, the Al Nassr forward has not trained with the team for the last eight days. He has been spotted in the gym working with the medical team to improve his fitness.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule
The fans traveling for the game to Saudi Arabia will hope that Cristiano Ronaldo passes the fitness test. Will the Al Nassr star play against Lionel Messi? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.