The recipient of the Ballon d’Or eight times faced extensive media coverage regarding his physical condition during an unprecedented international journey with Inter Miami. The team traveled from El Salvador to Japan, passing through Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, creating a historic sporting and political contгоversy. His non-participation in one friendly match in the Far East triggered an ongoing storm in both the sports and political realms.

Messi was, however, able to play an hour of the Herons’ final warm-up game against Newell’s Old Boys – his boyhood club – and is raring to go ahead of the new domestic season in the United States. Tata Martino told reporters when asked for an update on the Argentine icon: “Our plan was for Leo to play 45 to 60 minutes and he played almost 60 and felt good. The way he was playing, the way he accelerated, it looked like he was fully recovered. The idea is for him to be ready for the 21st.”

While Messi has gradually regained his optimal physical condition, Inter Miami is still awaiting Luis Suarez to rediscover his form in the ɑttɑϲking third. Martino commented on the experienced Uruguayan ꜱtгiker, who is managing persistent knee issues: “Physically, he appeared in good shape, but what hindered his preseason is the limited time spent working with the team. Players like Leo, (Sergio) Busquets, and (Jordi) Alba are familiar with him, but the others are not acquainted with his playing tendencies, especially those in the attacking line-up with him, such as (Julian) Gressel and (Diego) Gomez. They require more time together.”