The holidays for Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami team are over. After getting an extended break because of not qualifying for the playoffs, the Herons will now report back to training for the next season. Their first challenge will be a hybrid friendly against the El Salvador national team. However, ahead of the match, the biggest question is, will Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez play in the friendly?
The signing of Luis Suarez has raised the expectations even more of the Inter Miami fans. Hence it will now be on manager Tata Martino and his players to fulfill the huge expectations of the fans.
Lionel Messi and the team leaving no stone unturned for the upcoming season
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During the Ballon d’Or celebrations in DRV PNK Stadium, Lionel Messi promised the fans trophies in the next season. It looks like the Argentinian is now determined to deliver the promise. There were questions about his availability against El Salvador on 20th January. According to Telemundo news, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets will be available for the friendly. The only player who will miss the game is going to be goalkeeper Drake Callender because of international duty.
¡CONFIRMADISIMO🦩!@TelemundoNews nos traen el anuncio esperado: mañana, @InterMiamiCF arranca su entrenamiento y asegura la participación de sus grandes estrellas en el próximo amistoso contra @LaSelecta_SLV ⚽🦩🇸🇻 pic.twitter.com/FUuIGkiS1g
— MetaShow Entertainment (@MetaShowsv) January 7, 2024
To ensure La Pulga’s fans remain engaged during the off-season, the Herons have organized several friendly games across the globe. Following their match against El Salvador, the team is set to jet off to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Cup. There, they’ll face off against the current Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal, and also take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Subsequently, the team will engage in a friendly match against Hong Kong’s Xi, before journeying to Japan for a game against Vissel Kobe. The final fixture on their itinerary will pit them against Messi’s hometown club, Newell Old Boys, in Miami.
Read More:- Leaked: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami’s 3rd Kit Design Inspired by Miami Dolphins
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Inter Miami backed for plenty of success this season
In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Spanish journalist Nahuel Beau said that a move to Inter Miami is the best for Luis Suarez. He also added that Busquets, Messi, Alba, and Luis Suarez can have the same impact, as they had at Barcelona. They also bring their hunger to win titles to the MLS club. Hence, he feels Herons are the favorites to win titles in the upcoming season.
Hence, the responsibility will now be on the manager to get the best out of his four-star players. Gerrard Martino is aware from the experience of Lionel Messi’s injury last season that the veterans cannot start every single game of the season.
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The friendlies should give a strong indication to the Herons manager about how fit and ready his star players are. Will Inter Miami win more than one trophy next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.