Tata Martino’s technical assistant spoke about how the Argentine star is progressing and whether he could play a part in Saturday’s game at Arrowhead stadium.
On Friday, Inter Miami completed their preparation for their return to activity in MLS. Tata Martino’s side are guests of Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead stadium on Saturday night in one of the most attractive games scheduled for this weekend.
The players have had time to digest and get over their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup - they know that there is no time to dwell on the defeat to Monterrey and now have their sights set on Sporting Kansas City as MLS enters Week 8.
Messi’s presence in Kansas City has generated great expectation and a record attendance is expected at Arrowhead Stadium, but will the Argentinean play from the start and for how long. Messi came on for the second half in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against the Rapids and played the full 90 minutes against Monterrey on Wednesday. Tata Martino’s technical assistant, Javier Morales, shared a final update ahead of the game.
Will Messi feature against SKC?
Tata’s assistant confirmed that Messi continues to progress from his injury and while he was able to complete the Monterrey game, he is fit to play, which suggests that he will take part against Sporting Kansas City.
“Messi will be available for tomorrow’s game. We will have to see how he feels today, if he is okay he will be ready to play tomorrow. He finished the last game (vs Monterrey) without any problems, no discomfort and I estimate that he will want to play,” Morales told reporters.
Sold-out signs at Arrowhead Stadium
On the side of Sporting Kansas City, technical director Peter Vermes took the opportunity to praise Messi for his visit to his team and confirmed that this Saturday’s match is completely sold out, so a record crowd will be watching the Argentine star.
“Tickets have been completely sold out and we expect more than 70,000 fans to attend. Of course this is due to the presence of Messi. I have asked FIFA to be able to line up 15 players on the field to face him,” the Sporting Kansas City coach joked.
Arrowhead is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL, only surpassed by Chicago Bears’ home, Soldier Field (1924) and Lamebeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers have been based since 1957. Built in 1972, Arrowhead Stadium is among the 16 venues elected to host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will undergo a major renovation at an estimated cost of $50 million.
FIFA has designated four group stage matches in Kansas City during the 2026 World Cup. The group stage games, corresponding to games 19, 34, 58 and 69 will be played on June 16, 20, 25 and 27 respectively. A round of 32 game, match 87, will be played on 3 July. The final World Cup match at Arrowhead Stadium will take place on 11 July - the third and fourth quarter final games will be played on that date, with the other game taking place in Miami.
SylvesterMarkAppau
0
A fool who acknowledge outcast as a best player now here saying Messi is finished
You’re very stupid. Big fool with no brain
LytoneMutamboh
0
Who will sit on his permanent bench if he plays?
who will sit on 9/10th place every season Chelsea should retire as a club
LytoneMutamboh
0
Who will sit on his permanent bench if he plays?
lol who will sit on 9/10 place every season"
LytoneMutamboh
0
Who will sit on his permanent bench if he plays?
lol Chelsea funs do exist nawao this guy has won more than your Chelsea players combined" give Chelsea 5 years messi will still be biger than your club" you keep fighting for 10th place every season hahah
Richcapone442
0
Who cares. Besides, Messi is finished.
A fool who acknowledge outcast as a best player now here saying Messi is finished
Richcapone442
3
We are even tired of those inter Miami players
Cazbdelmry
1
who cares?
Wakbdmnsuz
1
yeah the robber is finished
Wakbdmnsuz
0
To those who are making fun of Messi, he came, he saw, and he conquered. He's definitely in every debate of who the GOAT is, whether with Pele and Maradona or with Christiano. This man won the Olympics, Concacaf, World Cup, Champions league, and several trophies in LA Liga, French League, and even in America. We are talking about a player who won the most Ballon dor, the most golden boots, a World Cup player of the tournament twice, and a host of other awards. His legend will continue forever... I am a Ronaldo fan, but Messi deserves your eternal respect
joke plz😅🤣
howlmopty
4
To those who are making fun of Messi, he came, he saw, and he conquered. He's definitely in every debate of who the GOAT is, whether with Pele and Maradona or with Christiano. This man won the Olympics, Concacaf, World Cup, Champions league, and several trophies in LA Liga, French League, and even in America. We are talking about a player who won the most Ballon dor, the most golden boots, a World Cup player of the tournament twice, and a host of other awards. His legend will continue forever... I am a Ronaldo fan, but Messi deserves your eternal respect
Football_Messi
0
Who cares. Besides, Messi is finished.
yep finished as the goat
Cultabz
1
To maximize Messi's talent, u need to use him when he is fully fit and fully focused.. No one can stop him when he is at his imperial best
Noeabtuy
1
Who cares. Besides, Messi is finished.
Yes, Messi finished his great career.
Meubiltz
2
Who will sit on his permanent bench if he plays?
SylvesterMarkAppau
6
Who cares. Besides, Messi is finished.