Tata Martino’s Concerns: Messi and Suarez’s Absence in Inter Miami’s Clash with Hong Kong XI
The Pre-season Woes for Inter Miami
Inter Miami, led by Gerardo Martino, is gearing up for a friendly against a Hong Kong XI, but concerns loom over the availability of star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Managing Minutes and Messi’s Risk of Injury
Martino emphasizes the need to manage player minutes, especially with Messi at risk of injury. Despite featuring in previous matches, the Argentine’s fitness is a crucial factor in the upcoming game.
Messi’s Limited Role Against Al Nassr
A late fitness test allowed Messi to make a late appearance against Al Nassr. Martino reveals the challenges of balancing game time and the desire to field Messi for extended periods.
Martino’s Evaluation and Messi’s Probable Playing Time
Martino hints at evaluating players, expressing the hope that Messi will play a significant role against Hong Kong XI. The manager emphasizes the importance of Messi’s presence on the field.
Inter Miami’s Tough Loss to Al Nassr
Inter Miami faces Hong Kong XI after a challenging defeat to Al Nassr, where key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were absent. Talisca’s hat-trick and Laporte’s spectacular goal marked a tough outing for the MLS team.
Eden Hazard’s Praise for Messi
Former football star Eden Hazard considers Messi the greatest player in history, sharing his views on the ongoing debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard’s perspective adds to the ongoing discussions about football legends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why is Tata Martino concerned about Messi and Suarez playing against Hong Kong XI?
- Answer: Martino is cautious about managing player minutes and preventing injuries, especially considering Messi’s recent late fitness test.
2. How did Messi perform against Al Nassr, and why was he a late substitute?
- Answer: Messi made a late appearance due to a fitness test and played in the 83rd minute during the 6-0 defeat to Al Nassr in the Riyadh Season Cup.
3. What challenges did Inter Miami face in their recent match against Al Nassr?
- Answer: Inter Miami struggled against Al Nassr, missing key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, resulting in a tough 6-0 defeat.
4. Why does Tata Martino emphasize evaluating players before the Hong Kong XI match?
- Answer: Martino aims to balance player evaluations, considering factors like player fitness and the need for key players like Messi to contribute significantly.
5. How does Eden Hazard view the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, and who does he consider the greatest?
- Answer: Hazard considers Messi the greatest player in history, expressing his preference for Messi’s pure football skills over Ronaldo’s overall greatness.
