WILL LIONEL MESSI MISS INTER MIAMI’S NEXT MATCH? ARTIFICIAL TURF CONCERN AS HERONS PREPARE FOR MLS TRIP TO GILLETTE STADIUM & MEETING WITH THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

WHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already nursed his way back from a hamstring complaint this season and no risks will be taken on his fitness – given his obvious importance to the collective cause. That has led to suggestions that he could sit out a trip to Massachusetts.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots NFL franchise, is one of few venues being used in MLS that still boasts artificial turf. Concerns have been raised regarding the added injury threat that is posed when not playing on grass.

DID YOU KNOW?

Luis Suarez, given his long-standing knee problems, is another that is reportedly being lined up for a weekend off – rather than gamble on him coming through a fixture that will test his body in a way that other surfaces do not.

WHAT GRESSEL SAID ABOUT MESSI

Inter Miami and USMNT star Julian Gressel has told the Player/Manager podcast when asked about possible absences: “I will ask when we’re preparing for the game, where I’m sure we’ll find out who will be available for the game. But he’s the only one [Suarez] who has a question mark. Of course’s [Jordi] Alba’s hurt.”

Quizzed on whether Messi may be pulled from the Herons’ starting XI, Gressel added: “Not from what I’ve heard.”

WHAT NEXT?

Messi was at his talismanic best last time out, as he scored two and made another in a 3-1 victory over Nashville, with that performance helping to keep Inter Miami at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference through 10 fixtures.