Tata Martino provides Lionel Messi fitness update ahead of final preseason fixture

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has confirmed that Lionel Messi is set to start the Heron's final preseason match against his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys on Thursday night.

There was plenty of speculation about the Barcelona legend's status for Miami's final tune-up game after he missed out against the Hong Kong Team and only played a limited role against Japan's Vissel Kobe on the team's international tour.

However, Martino confirmed to reporters Wednesday morning that the Messi will indeed feature from the start against the club where his storied career began over two decades ago.

"I am happy to confirm that he [Messi] is going to start because that is what we need to get him ready. In our talks with Leo, we discussed how he feels for tomorrow. It is important that he gets minutes as we get closer to the start of the season," Martino said in Spanish.

"Tomorrow for sure he will add minutes and if everything goes as it is going he will be in good shape for the beginning of the season."

Martino also confirmed that Sergio Busquets should be good to go next week for the season opener but that he won't risk his veteran midfielder against Old Boys. Busquets sustained an ankle injury against Vissel and was forced off after 25 minutes played.

After Miami's clash with Old Boys, the south Florida club will prepare for their opening fixture of the 2024 MLS season against Real Salt Lake on February 21 at DRV PNK Stadium.

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