Inter Miami coach Martino reveals when he will decide if Messi will play against Monterrey in pre-game press conference

Former Barcelona star Messi returned to training on Tuesday, a day before the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final.

Inter Miami have completed their preparations for the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey, who they will face at Chase Stadium on Wednesday. Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side will be desperate to take a lead to Mexico next week, but will the former Barcelona head coach be able to call upon talisman Lionel Messi, still struggling for fitness?

On Tuesday, the Argentina captain returned to training with the rest of his teammates, although we are still no closer to knowing whether or not he will be involved against Rayados. In his press conference prior to the match, Martino revealed he hadn’t yet made a decision on whether Messi would play any part, either from the start or from the bench, saying he would decide on Wednesday (the day of the game).

“We’re going to decide tomorrow. He trained today but we won’t make a decision yet, there are still 24 hours to go. We’ll see with both Leo and Nico (Freire) tomorrow. But Sergiy Kryvtsov is ruled out,” the Argentine coach explained.

Although Messi’s return would be key for Inter Miami, Martino admitted the team has a long season ahead and they are eager to avoid taking any risks with Messi to ensure he doesn’t face a longer spell on the sidelines.

“The main thing is that Leo has had an injury and we have to manage the timing of that injury. Although we have a very important game tomorrow, we have to remember that we are at the beginning of April and everything is just starting for us. What we mustn’t do is put our players’ physical fitness at risk, so what we think is best for Leo, like any other player, is what will