'Tata' Martino: Messi's Recovery "Is Day by Day"
Inter Miami coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino stated that Messi's recovery is progressing "day by day," and that a decision will soon be made on whether the player will be available to compete in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals against Monterrey.
Martino made these remarks after the 1-1 draw in the MLS against New York City, a match he considered very positive due to his team's performance.
"Leo and Nico Freire are taking it day by day. Depending on what happens in the next three or four days, we will determine if they are fit to play. Wednesday's game is crucial, but we must consider the entire year," Martino commented in the post-match press conference.
"We will assume that if there is any risk for the players, they will not participate. We will make a decision on Tuesday," he added.
Martino expressed satisfaction with his team's performance despite not securing three points.
"What the team did today was very remarkable, creating many goal-scoring opportunities. New York City's goalkeeper was the standout player," he said.
Inter Miami drew 1-1 at home against New York City in their third game of the season without Leo Messi. Luis Suárez scored for Martino's team in the fifteenth minute, but the equalizer came through Alonso Martínez in the 34th minute.
In addition, Marcelo Weigandt made his debut in an unusual lineup for Martino, with Sergio Busquets playing as a central defender.
"We had high expectations for him (Weigandt) and I think he performed very well. Busquets has the quality to play in that position, and he did very well," Martino concluded.
