Messi & Suarez are flying - so when do Miami rest them?
Inter Miami embarks on their Champions Cup journey, yet the dilemma remains about when to rest older stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to maintain their fitness and peak performance.
Everything has gone according to plan for Inter Miami in 2024. The dynamic duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, rekindling one of history's greatest partnerships, is propelling the team forward in the MLS. With seven points from three games, Miami is leading the way as anticipated.
However, positive situations, especially those led by players in their late 30s, are not everlasting. Miami is inevitably going to face challenges; the only uncertainty is the extent of these challenges.
Minor issues are inevitable – fatigue and minor injuries are par for the course when dealing with aging players. Yet, the significant challenges can be more complicated. Managing these major issues will be the key factor that shapes Inter Miami's season.
Inter Miami dazzling in MLS
Inter Miami is shining in the MLS, yet their upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville SC on Thursday marks the beginning of a challenging phase. Engaging in three different competitions this season poses an increased risk, emphasizing Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's primary task of risk management. While having Messi on the team brings
considerable advantages, a crucial aspect is understanding when to rest him. Navigating this delicate balance is proving to be a demanding challenge, and it's already a focal point just a few weeks into the MLS season.
Messi's Playing Time Overview
Predictably, Inter Miami is heavily dependent on Messi this season. In the initial three games, he contributed with two goals and two assists, emerging as the pivotal force behind the team's impressive start.
Despite opportunities to provide him with some rest, Messi has played the full 270 minutes in these three matches. In the first two tightly contested games against Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy, his continuous presence was essential for decisive plays.
In the 5-0 victory over Orlando City, there appeared to be an ideal chance for Martino to afford Messi a break. With all five goals secured by the 62nd minute, there was ample time to comfortably manage the game without Messi's active participation. However, Martino chose not to substitute Messi, a decision that carried inherent risks, especially against an Orlando team with a history of aggressively targeting Messi. Fortunately, Messi and Miami navigated through the situation successfully, but Martino acknowledges that the 36-year-old is already feeling the impact of the intense start to the season.
Suarez's Ailing Knees
While Messi's fitness has remained robust, Suarez faces a different scenario, primarily due to concerns with his knees. Currently, his knees are a significant source of worry, and there's a looming sense that they are nearing a breaking point.
Suarez, the Uruguayan star, acknowledges the precarious state of his knees and has expressed the possibility that he may not lead a normal life post-retirement. Last year, he revealed to Sport 890 radio, "On the outside of my knee, I have tension from surgery in 2020 during my time at Barcelona. In my final stage of recovery, the pandemic forced me to do exercises independently, and I couldn't complete the stretching for my knee. On the inside, there is cartilage wear, impacting the bone. Before each game, I take three pills, and hours before playing, I receive an injection. Otherwise, I can't play, hence the limp."
Despite these challenges, Suarez has performed admirably for Miami, delivering an outstanding performance against Orlando with two goals and two assists in a five-goal victory. While it's evident that Suarez still possesses remarkable skills, the crucial question arises regarding how to effectively manage his playing time. With Miami's demanding schedule, including midweek games and upcoming fixtures like the one against Nashville on Thursday, the concern is whether Suarez can consistently handle back-to-back matches. The possibility of the club considering periods of rest for Suarez to ensure his well-being also looms large.
Navigating a lengthy season, Miami may encounter opportunities to provide Suarez with breaks, but currently, they face a lack of such luxury. The team is likely to prioritize the CONCACAF Champions Cup, presenting an opportunity to secure another significant regional trophy. As they approach their entry into the competition on Thursday, it appears that Miami may already be without one of their seasoned players from the Barcelona era.
Inter Miami Priority to the Cup
While the extent of Miami's focus on the cup remains uncertain, judging by the club's behavior since Messi's arrival, it's evident that they are likely to make a concerted effort. Miami's aspirations extend well beyond the MLS, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup serves as a potential pathway for qualification to the 2025 Club World Cup.
Qualifying for the Club World Cup would be a significant achievement for Miami, providing them with the opportunity to compete against the world's top teams. Despite facing setbacks in preseason friendlies against Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, competitive fixtures against such teams or European elites could elevate the club's global standing.
Given these considerations, it is reasonable to assume that the cup will take precedence in the upcoming weeks. With matches against Nashville on Thursday and the following Wednesday, alongside an MLS fixture against CF Montreal in between, strategic player rotation might be seen in the Montreal game or the clash with D.C. United on March 16.
As the season progresses, rotation will become essential for Martino to grant necessary rest to his seasoned players. Balancing these considerations will be a continuous challenge, with Miami's success hinging on their stars peaking at crucial moments. A well-managed strategy could lead to contention for multiple trophies, but any missteps may result in a rapid downfall.
