Inter Miami Boss Warns Fans Lionel Messi Cannot Play In Every Game Next Season

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has told the club's fans not to expect Lionel Messi to play in every game next season.

Demand for tickets for Miami matches has rocketed since Messi's arrival in July.

Messi, 36, has since been joined in Miami by three more former Barcelona stars - Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

Martino is aware that some supporters will be disappointed if they attend a Miami match and fail to see all the big-name players.

But he said it is "important" for fans to understand that it will not be possible for Messi and Co to play every week.

Lionel Messi provided 11 goals and five assists in 14 games for Miami in 2023

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Ricky Fitchett

Speaking to the Miami Herald this week, former Barca boss Martino said, "We have a responsibility to make sure the fans feel well represented on the field when our big stars aren't playing.

"If the fans know that for different reasons Leo won't be there or [Busquets] won't be there or Jordi, but we will have a very competitive team, that is an important message.

"The best players are usually on the field, but we also must make sure our team is healthy and can last an entire season.

"That was difficult last season, the issue of if we were selling more tickets or fewer tickets, people wanting to know who was playing.

"I would love for them to play every single game, but we can't be worried about ticket sales. If they are healthy, they will play the majority of the games."

Miami will compete in four different tournaments in 2024.

In addition to playing in MLS, Miami will participate in the U.S. Open Cup, the Leagues Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Messi and Co are currently in pre-season training.

Their first pre-season friendly is scheduled for Friday when they will take on the El Salvador national team.