Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino expects both Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to play in Friday’s Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, but isn’t sure if either will start.
Messi and Busquets officially signed with Inter Miami over the weekend, with the longtime teammates each taking part in their first training session with the MLS club on Tuesday.
Neither player has been involved in a competitive match for more than a month: Messi last played in an Argentina friendly against Australia on June 15, while the most recent game for Busquets was Barcelona’s May 28 La Liga match against Mallorca.
Speaking to ESPN Fútbol 12 in Argentina, Martino nevertheless said he expects both players to make their Inter Miami debut on Friday.
“From what I have seen up to now they are going fit to play and it is likely that on Friday they can be there,” Martino said. “Whether that will be as starters or coming in at the half, we will have to make that decision yet, but as I see it, Leo as well as Busi can play [on Friday].”
Martino added that much like Messi has said himself, he believes the 36-year-old’s desire to compete and win will keep him from taking his foot off the gas in MLS.
“What has not changed is his desire to continue competing and winning,” Martino said. “I think it shows a very salient trait Leo has as a football player. His perpetual desire to compete and win. I think that winning the World Cup took a great weight off his back.
“But someone I admire a lot told me that he is coming to MLS carrying an empty suitcase but without all the pressure he had in Barcelona in 2010-2011 or the pressure of the national team. Now, I think I am going to find a very competitive version of him because he has the need to win wearing this shirt now, because he has not won here yet.”
Martino, who previously won MLS Cup as head coach of Atlanta United, added that there are some unique factors in MLS that even legendary players like Messi and Busquets will need to get used to.
“This is a very physical league, and you have to be in great shape to compete,” Martino said. “There have been very good footballers who have come and at first it has always been difficult for them, because you have to adapt to a football that is not better, not worse, but different.
“Then it’s a very busy league, many long trips, different weather conditions, competition during the week, so you have to have a competitive squad.”
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