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News, Blog and GuidesAfter more than a month and a half of inactivity, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to work with Inter Miami as the 2024 MLS season looms.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaPaul Reidypaulreidy67Estados UnidosUpdate: Jan 13th, 2024 05:04 EST
MEGAN BRIGGSAFP
Officially, Inter Miami’s preseason begins on Saturday, 13 January, however, some players decided on getting an early start and carried out a light training session on Friday with one of the group being Lionel Messi.
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The Argentine reported back with Inter Miami earlier in the week as the cub conducted the protocol pre-season medical tests with the Herons set to embark on a globetrotting pre-season that will see Tata Martino’s play games in countries such as El Salvador, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.
The first images of Messi on the training pitch with Jordi Alba were circulated through the club’s official social networks and it’s anticipated that Luis Suárez will officially join Inter Miami for training after being presented to the media fielding questions about his arrival in the world of MLS.
🚨Breaking: Lionel Messi started training with Inter Miami today ✅ pic.twitter.com/SUxo9vSxC0
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) January 12, 2024
When was Messi’s last game?
Leo Messi has not played competitive football since last November with his last game coming as part of Argentina’s victory against Brazil in the Conmebol qualifiers with the Rosario born player starring for 78 minutes.
Messi last pulled on an Inter Miami on 10 November as he featured in a played his tribute match to celebrate his eighth Ballon d’Or win with NYCFC providing the opposition at DRV PNK Stadium.
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Messi with Inter Miami CHANDAN KHANNAAFP
Inter Miami’s preseason schedule
January 19 vs El Salvador
Preparation for the season ahead begins for Messi, Busquets, Suárez and co on Friday, 19 January, when the team visits the Cuscatlán Stadium to face El Salvador.
Later, Inter Miami will have 10 days of with no match commitments and during that time Tata Martino’s men will travel to Saudi Arabia to face two of the Riyadh Roshn Saudi League based clubs.
January 29 and 1 February vs Al Hilal and Al Nassr
Inter Miami will face Al Hilal on the 29th and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on 1 February as part of the Riyadh Season Cup.
February 4 vs Hong Kong
After Saudi Arabia, the Herons will travel to Hong Kong to face the local team in another of the friendlies that is now already sold out for 2024.
I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami. I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great Club a reality. 🗣️ – @LuisSuarez9 pic.twitter.com/T6Ya7MJrXL
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 22, 2023
February 7 vs Vissel Kobe in Tokyo
Inter Miami’s Asian tour will end on 7 February when they face Vissel Kobe at the National Stadium in Japan, Andrés Iniesta’s former team.
February 15 vs Newell’s Old Boys
