Inter Miami manager Tata Martino has offered fitness updates on his superstars ahead of the first game of the new MLS season.
Inter Miami ready for season openerBig names are all fully fitReal Salt Lake up first for the HeronsWHAT HAPPENED?
Martino has confirmed that Messi and Luis Suarez are both fit to start Inter Miami's opening MLS game of the season against Real Salt Lake. Messi has been troubled with an adductor injury that saw his game time limited during the club's pre-season tour. However, Martino told a press conference that the duo, and new team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, are fully fit and ready to get the new campaign underway. Busquets also suffered an injury in pre-season, after being the victim of a horror tackle in a friendly with Vissel Kobe, but has now recovered.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The news will be a boost to Martino as he prepares for the start of the season where much will be expected from his Inter Miami side. Messi has been joined by three of his former Barcelona team-mates in a bid to build on last season's Leagues Cup triumph. All eyes will be on the World Cup winner to deliver the MLS Cup for Inter Miami and improve on last season's disappointing league campaign.
WHAT JORDI ALBA HAS SAID
The left-back spoke about the the team's aims for the season at a press conference: "It's clear we haven't won anything yet. We want to win every trophy we're playing for. It's going to be very complicated because there are some very well-prepared teams with the same dreams as us, but I think we have a very good team."
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Inter Miami's home has been given a new name ahead of the new campaign. The DRV PNK Stadium will now be known as Chase Stadium after the Herons agreed a new sponsorship deal with JPMorgan Chase.