Four MLS games have passed since Lionel Messi played for Inter Miami. The outcomes of those games were detrimental to the Florida-based side. Miami have won only once in those games while losing twice and drawing once. A loss is the last thing Miami would want against Mexican club C.F. Monterrey as the two sides face in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal later tonight. However, Tata Martino is yet to confirm whether Lionel Messi will start for the Herons in this headline clash.

Messi has been out since March 13 after suffering a leg muscle overload in the CONCACAF Champions Cup R016 tie against Nashville and is carrying a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, there is a silver lining for the supporters of the Herons as he participated in the club’s training before the upcoming Monterrey game.

Reasons why Lionel Messi might feature in Inter Miami’s upcoming clash

“We’ll define his role tomorrow. Today I don’t know, but he trained. We’re still defining it, we still have 24 hours,” Tata Martino said, referring to Lionel Messi’s availability for tonight’s clash. While the Argentine boss has not confirmed that Messi will be there, he has not ruled out the chances of playing him against Monterrey. However, he also suggested that he may take a long-term approach considering the season is just getting started.

Martino said, “Although tomorrow’s game is an important one, we are only in April. For us, it [the season] has just begun and we can’t put our player’s condition at risk.” Notably, Martino rested Messi in the MLS game against Montreal due to physical woes. But the Argentine coach summoned the 36-year-old for the knockout tie against Nashville immediately after the MLS game.

Besides, Miami is hosting the Liga MX side tonight in Fort Lauderdale. Messi’s no-show would invite a similar no-show from fans in the stands. That is the last thing the David Beckham-co-owned club would want in a big game.

The fact that Messi participated in a full training session with the first team without much trouble could hint at him playing a part in the CONCACAF match. Therefore, considering all these factors, we believe Lionel Messi will feature against C.F. Monterrey. Even if Martino won’t start the superstar, he might use him as a substitute.

The last time Messi turned up for Inter Miami was also in the same competition, where he scored a goal and provided an assist in a 3-1 win over Nashville to knock them out 5-3 on aggregate. Inter Miami fans will hope their talisman gets to play some part in the crucial tie against Monterrey. The Mexican side already have a win over an MLS side in the Champions League this season. They overcame Cincinnati 3-1 on aggregate in the RO 16 clash.

Meanwhile, Messi’s strike partner, Luis Suarez, recently stated the Miami squad is prepared to battle even without Messi.

Luis Suarez on Messi’s availability and Miami’s readiness for the ultimate challenge

While speaking to the press before the Monterrey tie, even Suarez did not rule out Messi’s chances to return tonight. He said he and his teammates would wait until game time to see if La Pulga returns. But he also added that the Herons have already prepared for the worst; to shine in the 2022 World Champion’s absence.

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“If he’s not, we’ll do it like we did the other day and win the games without him. If he’s there, we’ll enjoy it more,” said Suarez, referring to Messi. Miami has only won once in Messi’s absence- in an MLS tie versus D.C. United. Then, the onus was on the Uruguayan. And he showed up massive for the Herons with a brace in the 3-1 win. Suarez would have to repeat the same if Leo Mess misses out once again tonight.

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