Lionel Messi started for Inter Miami and played till fulltime in its last two MLS games. It has been quite a while since Messi played this much for the Herons. He either came off the bench or was called back during the last season and this year’s preseason friendlies. Since the Miami skipper played 90 minutes back-to-back, his availability for the cramped series of upcoming games is dubious. Meanwhile, an ankle sprain contracted during the preseason is still haunting Sergio Busquets. The Herons face this plight as they are about to face Orlando City tomorrow in a cross-state MLS derby.

Inter Miami is looking at a super-busy calendar this month. The team will play nine matches in the next 28 days. Hence, coach Tata Martino’s current biggest priority is to make sure Lionel Messi is not fatigued.

Tata Martino on trying to not overwork Lionel Messi

Before facing Orlando City, Tata Martino said in a presser that Lionel Messi has expended his energy in the games against Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy. Now, Martino’s focus is to devise a strategy that relies less on Messi. “I feel that in these first two matches, we have relied on him [Messi] too much, which has caused him significant fatigue in both games,” said Tata Martino, as compiled by the Miami Herald. The Miami boss added that he would urge his players to set Messi up for crucial plays inside the box or to deliver the finishing touch in the game against Orlando.

From Martino’s words, it is highly likely the Argentine won’t play the entire 90 mins in the Florida derby. He would perhaps start but might be subbed off before the final whistle. Meanwhile, Busquets might also miss full action tomorrow. Speaking of his condition, Busquets said in a recent interview, “It was difficult for me to get back to a good feeling on the field after the injury in Japan because I’m not 100 percent. I’m playing with pain.” This puts his availability in further dubiety. Martino expects to play newly acquired prodigy Federico Redondo in the midfield.

Anyhow, while Messi and Busquets have concerns over their conditions, there is an injury list that mars Inter Miami’s run in the MLS.

Inter Miami’s latest injury list

Three Inter Miami stars; Franco Negri, Ian Fray, and Facundo Farias currently suffer from a cruciate ligament tear. Farias’ unavailability is a huge concern, considering he has been pivotal to the club’s attack last season. He bonded well with La Pulga in spearheading the Herons’ attack. It is perhaps the lack of such players that leaves Messi overworked.

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In yet another blow to Miami’s forward fleet, Benjamin Cremaschi is nursing a sports hernia. He will miss the Orlando City game. Cremaschi is one of those potent strikers who could replace Luis Suarez if he misfires in a crucial game. Thankfully, previously injured players such as Serhiy Kryvtsov have recovered and will soon feature for the Herons.

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