The MLS preseason buzz is reaching a fever pitch as Inter Miami gears up to kick things off against El Salvador's national team, headlining none other than Lionel Messi. Today, fans could see the soccer maestro and his ex-Barca pals Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez in action—if coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino decides to unleash his stars. CBS Miami reports the match marks the start of a seven-game preseason tour for the Miami squad.
Fans are clamoring for a glimpse of Messi magic, but there's a catch—as there always is. The lineup is Martino's call, and he's keeping cards close to his chest. "I'd feel frustrated. I, like the majority of people, would pay to see Messi and if he doesn't play, it'll be disappointing," bemoaned lifelong fan and South Florida dweller Luis Lopez, in a sentiment echoed across the fanbase. This insight was shared by Patch.
Messi's leg injury from an Argentina World Cup qualifier had fans worried, but after some downtime that saw him benched for six Inter Miami games and two national matches, the forward returned to the field in October. Since then, Martino has given the all-clear on his star player's fitness. Hype around the team's condition hit a high note earlier this week when Inter Miami posted a "Fit and ready to take on the preseason" Facebook update, flashing clips of player physicals, including Messi's.
The anticipation around the Estadio Cuscatlán encounter is palpable, with tickets flying off the shelves at prices ranging from $200 to $475—and that's before the inevitable third-party markups. It's primed to be a packed house in San Salvador, signalling a glowing endorsement of the country's recent hosting successes and safety milestones.
Beyond the El Salvador match, Inter Miami's preseason is stuffed with highlights, not least of which is Messi's upcoming face-off with perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia come February 1. The schedule also includes a sentimental nod to Messi's roots with a February 15 game against Argentina's Newell's Old Boys, the club where the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner first made a name for himself in soccer. Fans eager to catch all the action can stream the games exclusively on MLSsoccer.com and MLSes.com, ensuring not a moment of the preseason is missed.
