Lionel Messi "walks around all game" as "insecure" theory over fitness dismissed

25 August 2023 , 14:11

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Lionel Messi "walks around all game" as "insecure" theory over fitness dismissed

Questions surrounding Lionel Messi's fitness amid a hectic period with Inter Miami have been rubbished by former U.S. international Alexi Lalas.

Messi joined Inter last month and has enjoyed a remarkable start to life in Major League Soccer, scoring 10 goals, winning the Leagues Cup and reaching the U.S. Open Cup final all in the space of eight games. Despite his success, however, concerns over the 36-year-old's fitness levels have been raised after playing eight straight matches for the MLS side.

Messi has also played back-to-back 120-minute games, following his team's success in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup. Following the packed schedule, Miami head coach Tata Martino hinted Messi could start this weekend's clash with the New York Red Bulls on the bench, as he nears his "physical limit".

Martino said: "Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from today we will start to evaluate this – how do I face at least the next three games... You also have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45, 50 days."

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Former L.A. Galaxy and New England Revolution star Lalas was full of praise for the impact Messi has made during his short time Stateside. He tweeted: "The Messi Miami train keeps rolling. Eight games, 10 goals, undefeated, and led his team to a trophy and two finals.

"If you can't find joy in this or you find a way to c*** on it, you need to seek help. Also, he has yet to score or win and game in MLS and his team is in last place." Following his glowing post, Lalas was questioned about the question about Messi's fitness, to which he responded: "Load management? Messi walks around most of the game!"

He then added further down the thread: "Don't be so insecure. Messi has always walked... until it's time not to walk." Messi's only substitute appearance came on his Inter debut, as he scored a last-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup group stage.

Joshua Lees