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Lionel Messi Likely to Return When Inter Miami Face D.C. United
Introduction
Lionel Messi is set to make his return to Inter Miami’s lineup on Saturday night when the Herons host D.C. United in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi missed Wednesday night’s scoreless draw at Orlando City due to a knee issue, marking the fifth league match he’s sat out for Eastern Conference-leading Miami (8-2-4, 28 points).
Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami
Performance Without Messi
The Herons have managed just one win and two draws in the five matches Messi has missed. In contrast, they’re unbeaten with seven victories in the nine matches he’s played. Wednesday’s absence seemed more about load management. Coach Tata Martino had expressed hope that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would return on Saturday, and Messi didn’t appear on the league’s player availability report on Friday night.
“We trained well yesterday, and we hope to train well today,” Martino said Friday. “We will define it after training, but we are optimistic about (Saturday’s) match.”
Messi’s Performance
Stellar Statistics
Messi has been on fire, with 10 goals and an MLS-leading 12 assists. His former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez is one of three MLS players tied for the league lead with 11 goals.
D.C. United’s Recent Performance
Recent Struggles
D.C.’s Christian Benteke, another player with 11 goals, failed to score in their 4-1 home loss to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night. Benteke missed a couple of excellent chances to take sole possession of the league lead, though it might not have changed the outcome against the Red Bulls, who were consistently dangerous on the break. This was the third time D.C. (4-4-5, 17 points) has conceded three or more goals at home.
“I think everyone was disappointed the other night, and the things that we didn’t get right, we try to address in a really short time,” D.C. coach Troy Lesesne said. “We’re just trying to identify where the game got away from us. And I think a lot of those things are controllables.”
Key Players and Performances
D.C. United’s Key Player
D.C. has been tough to beat on the road, drawing four of six and earning their first away win 3-2 at Atlanta United last weekend, thanks to Benteke’s second hat trick. The Belgian international has scored in three of his four away appearances this season.
Upcoming Match Context
Importance of Messi’s Return
With Messi likely returning to Inter Miami’s lineup, his presence could significantly boost the team’s performance. D.C. United will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities to counteract Miami’s offensive threat led by Messi.
Conclusion
With Messi set to return, Inter Miami aims to extend their unbeaten run with him on the field, while D.C. United looks to bounce back from their recent defeat. Key players’ performances and strategic adjustments will be crucial as both teams vie for a much-needed victory. Fans can expect an engaging and competitive match as these Eastern Conference rivals clash in Fort Lauderdale.
