Here’s how The Herons will likely line up for the crucial game against their Liga MX opponents.
Just hours before the most crucial match of the season (8pm ET/5pm PT), Inter Miami are still trying to figure out the status of their star player: Messi’s injury recovery has become the talk of Florida.
Tata Martino announced that it would not be known until almost an hour before the match if the Argentine would be able to play any minutes. While Leo awaits a decision, the coach is already evaluating different options to replace his star player.
“We have to think that we are at the beginning of April and for us all this has just begun and what we must not do is put the physical condition of our players at risk,” said ‘Tata’ in the press conference prior to tonight’s match.
Although the forward returned to training yesterday with the rest of his teammates, he is not match fit and will likely not play 90 minutes.
Suárez set to lead the line for Miami
Right now, Luis Suárez is set to be the main main for The Herons at Chase Stadium. The Uruguayan has been on a roll since the start of the season and has already scored seven goals in nine games. If Messi does not start from the beginning, the position of the striker will be decided between Leo Campana and Robert Taylor, with the Finn having more chances than the Ecuadorian.
The bad news for ‘Tata’ is the defensive fragility his team has shown in recent matches, having conceded nine goals in four games. Freire is another doubt in the side; it is expected that the line of four will be composed of Weigandt, Avilés, Sailor and Jordi Alba.
The right-back will be handed his second consecutive start after an impressive debut against New York City. In midfield, ‘Tata’ is expected to start with his triumvirate of Sergio Busquets, Julian Gresel and Diego Gómez.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final first leg between Inter Miami and Monterrey will be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday 3 April 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm ET/5pm PT. You can follow the action live on AS USA with Will Gittins.