Speaking to media on Monday, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino shared that he has a laid out plan for Lionel Messi – and potentially Luis Suarez.
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Messi's Pre-Copa plan for Miami sharedArgentine and Suarez will play this weekHerons have two home matches in quick successionGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
Martino revealed that Messi is set to play for the Herons on both Wednesday against Atlanta United and Saturday against St. Louis CITY SC before departing for Copa America. The Argentine – and Suarez – were both rested for Miami's 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
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Messi will linkup with La Albiceleste on Sunday in Miami, as Argentina's pre-Copa America camp will be held in South Beach. Suarez, meanwhile, has yet to be named in Uruguay's Copa America squad as boss Marcelo Bielsa still has not announced his roster. If he is called up, it's expected that he will follow suit with Messi.
WHAT MARTINO SAID
The Miami head coach was adamant in being candid on what the plans are for his star player this week, saying: "We are clear that he (Messi) is playing in Saturday's game and (then) has to report to the national team."
USA Today ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND MIAMI?
Inter Miami host Atlanta United Wednesday evening in MLS action before turning around to invite St. Louis CITY SC to their ground Saturday evening. Only following the conclusion of both matches – where Messi is expected to play – will he then depart for La Albiceleste's camp.