Lionel Messi to captain Inter Miami, confirms Tata Martino, as Luis Suarez linked with move to club from Gremio
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Updated 25/07/2023 at 08:22 GMT
Lionel Messi is set to captain Inter Miami moving forward. The 36-year-old took the captain's armband when he came on for his debut against Cruz Azul and scored a late winner. Inter Miami next play against Atlanta United on Tuesday and both Messi and Sergio Busquets could be in line to start. Another former Barcelona player, Luis Suarez, has been linked with a move to Inter Miami.
Messi confirmed as Inter Miami captain by manager Martino
Lionel Messi will be the new captain of Inter Miami, head coach Tata Martino has confirmed.
Messi wore the captain’s armband when he came on for his debut in the Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul.
Messi marked his first appearance for the MLS side with an injury-time free-kick that won the match.
Inter Miami close out the two-game group stage against Atlanta United on Tuesday.
Asked if Messi would continue to captain Miami, Martino said: "The other day he was, when he entered. Yes, he will be."
Gregore had been Miami's club captain earlier this season but he is out with injury. DeAndre Yedlin handed the armband over to Messi when he came on against Cruz Azul.
Messi could be set to start against Atlanta along with former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, who also came on as a substitute in the previous match.
Martino said: “It is very likely that both Messi and Busi [Sergio Busquets] will play longer, even from the beginning.
“Everything will depend on how they feel. It's just their second game."
Asked if he was surprised at the way Messi decided the game against Cruz Azul, Martino said: "It is something habitual from him, and because it is habitual, we try to normalize things that are not common.”
He added about Messi’s impact at the club: "What was seen of Messi in the game trying to order his team-mates, is what he has been doing in the training sessions.
"He helps and talks about football with his team-mates."
It has been reported that Messi could be joined at Inter Miami by another former Barcelona team-mate.
Luis Suarez is currently playing for Gremio but according to ESPN Brasil is willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 along with making additional payments in order to leave.
Inter Miami seem to have paved the way for another signing as they have acquired an extra international roster slot.
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