Messi back in Miami training as Herons gear up for crunch MLS semi vs Cincinnati
Inter Miami was back at it this week, with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul straight into training after their international shifts, as the club cranks up preparations for Sunday’s do-or-die MLS Eastern Conference semifinal against Cincinnati.
Messi returned from duty with Argentina, including that slightly odd friendly in Angola, and, by all accounts, walked straight into the session with his usual spark. De Paul followed suit, the pair linking up again but this time in the Florida sun rather than La Bombonera. Miami badly need their big hitters firing, with the pressure properly piling on after that early 2024 exit which still hangs over the squad.
The Miami Herald wasn’t exactly sugar-coating the recent history either. Back in July, Miami was thumped 3-0 at TQL Stadium, and even at home they couldn’t muster more than a goalless draw, albeit with a patched-up side. Not exactly the sort of form you want against a team who fancy their chances of knocking you out again.
Inside the camp, though, Messi’s return has apparently lifted the mood. His spell with Argentina was said to have sharpened him up, and coaches has noted how vocal he’s been since landing back in the States, pushing younger lads through drills and barking out the odd instruction. Miami will take all the leadership they can get right now.
Off the pitch, MLS dropped another nugget this week: from 2027, the league will shift its schedule to match the international calendar. It’s a move pitched as a way to boost competitiveness, tidy up transfer windows and make the league a more tempting stop for global stars, the sort of long-term play Miami will hope works in their favour.
For now, though, it’s all eyes on Cincinnati. Win and the dream rolls on. Lose, and Miami’s season is over in a flash, Messi or no Messi. Potentially huge weekend ahead in the east.