Tata Martino says there was “too much risk involved” for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to line up for Inter Miami against a Hong Kong Select XI.

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  • Argentine icon did not figure in friendly
  • Uruguayan striker also left on the bench
  • Trip to Japan next up for the Herons

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The arrival of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in the Far East caused quite a stir, with fans desperate to catch a glimpse of the all-time great in action. They were also excited by the prospect of watching former Barcelona stars Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Busquets and Alba did step off the bench in Hong Kong, as the Herons claimed a 4-1 win and their first victory of pre-season in 2024, but Messi and Suarez were unused substitutes. Messi only saw seven minutes of action in Inter Miami’s defeat to a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr, after picking up a slight knock, and no gambles are being taken on fitness at this stage.

  • WHAT MARTINO SAID ABOUT MESSI

    Inter Miami boss Martino told reporters when asked about the absence of two superstar performers: “We understand the fans’ disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologise for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff. If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much risk involved."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

    Inter Miami are set to face Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, before returning to the United States. A final friendly outing on home soil against Argentine outfit Newell’s Old Boys – Messi’s first club – will carry them into a MLS season opener versus Real Salt Lake on February 21.