31 August 2023 , 19:22
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Tata Martino has suggested that MLS may make some landmark changes next year following the arrival of superstar Lionel Messi stateside.
The Inter Miami boss will have to do without his talisman in the coming weeks as the US league season continues during the international break. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will be sorely missed, with his introduction into the fold having inspired the team's dramatic turnaround in fortunes.
Although the 36-year-old drew a blank during his most recent outing for his new employers, his form since moving to Vice City has been staggering. The World Cup winner has netted on 11 occasions in just 10 appearances for the Herons, while taking the team to glory in the Leagues Cup also.
Having captained the club to win the first trophy in its fledgling history, the veteran forward will be hoping to help arrest the team's alarming woes in the league. The early signs have been promising in this regard, with his first two MLS matches ending in a victory and a draw.
However, with Messi set to join up with the Argentina national team for international duty, he will be unavailable for selection for Miami during that time. This means that he will be absent for the Floridan club's clash versus Sporting Kansas City, as MLS fixtures continue despite the international break.
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Now the Fort Lauderdale outfit's head coach Martino has suggested that MLS will look to address this scheduling issue in 2024. He said: "I understand that they are analysing [how to avoid scheduling games during FIFA windows] for next year, It is probable [a solution] will happen."
He could also miss further games if the former Barcelona manager decides to rest his star man during the coming weeks due to his packed schedule. Just four days after Miami's game versus Los Angeles FC in the league, Argentina will play a World Cup qualifier versus Ecuador.
Lionel Messi has scored 11 goals in his nine appearances for Inter Miami (Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)Moreover, the Herons are then due to play another fixture on the road versus Atlanta United, just four days after another qualifier against Bolivia. Given this congestion in the forward's schedule, it is likely that he will not feature from the start in both MLS fixtures during the period.
Martino's side have reached another final in the form of the US Open Cup but their chances of qualifying for the MLS Cup playoffs remain remote. They currently sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference after 24 rounds.
The Herons do have ten games to play but still sit some ten points off Chicago Fire in the final playoffs spot in ninth place. The Floridan outfit have two games in hand on the Illinois side.