Messi Set to Travel with Inter Miami, Suarez Absent for Road Games
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a piece of news that will delight soccer fans across the nation, Lionel Messi is reported to be in optimal health and is slated to accompany Inter Miami on their upcoming two-game road trip. The Argentine maestro’s presence is a significant boost for the Herons as they navigate a challenging stretch of matches against Minnesota United and the San Jose Earthquakes. However, the team will be without the services of Luis Suarez, Messi’s longtime teammate and close friend, who is currently unavailable due to personal reasons.
The absence of Suarez, a prolific goalscorer and key component of Inter Miami’s attacking prowess, will undoubtedly be felt by the team. Coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation before a recent training session, stating that Suarez is away from the club for personal reasons. The specific nature of these reasons remains undisclosed, adding an element of uncertainty to his potential return. While it is confirmed that Suarez will miss the first match against Minnesota United, there is no definitive timeline for his availability for the subsequent game against San Jose. His potential absence for both games, or even one of them, will force Mascherano to adjust his tactical approach and find alternative solutions to maintain the team’s offensive threat.
The two matches on this road trip hold particular significance as they represent the final visits to the Midwest and West Coast for Messi and Inter Miami during the remainder of the 2025 MLS regular season. This adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans in Minnesota and San Jose, who have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of Messi’s participation. The prospect of witnessing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action has undoubtedly fueled ticket sales and generated considerable buzz around these games.
Inter Miami’s journey begins with a Friday afternoon departure from South Florida. Following the match against Minnesota United, the team will immediately travel to California to prepare for their encounter with the San Jose Earthquakes. The logistical demands of this back-to-back road trip will test the team’s endurance and resilience.
For fans unable to attend the matches in person, both games will be available for viewing on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. This accessibility ensures that soccer enthusiasts across the globe can follow Inter Miami’s progress and witness Messi’s performances firsthand.
The schedule for the two matches is as follows:
- May 10: Minnesota United vs. Inter Miami, 4:30 p.m. ET
- May 14: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m. ET
In recent matches, concerns have been raised regarding Messi’s mood and spirit after he was observed abruptly leaving the pitch upon the final whistle. This behavior, particularly evident after Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on May 3, sparked speculation among fans and pundits.
Mascherano addressed these concerns, emphasizing Messi’s competitive nature and unwavering demands for excellence. "Well, Leo is a competitive person, that’s normal. Those of us who have known him for a long time know how demanding he is – not only with himself but with everything around him," Mascherano explained. He reassured fans, however, that Messi is in good spirits and fully committed to the team’s objectives. “But yes, he’s fine," Mascherano stated.
Inter Miami faces a busy schedule in May, with six remaining matches before shifting their focus to the highly anticipated Club World Cup. This prestigious tournament represents a significant opportunity for the Herons to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Before embarking on their Club World Cup journey, Inter Miami remains focused on navigating the challenges of the MLS season. The team is determined to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference and solidify their position as a top contender. The recent elimination in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals by Vancouver serves as a reminder of the need for consistency and resilience.
Looking ahead to the match against Minnesota United, Mascherano acknowledged the strength of their opponent. "Minnesota is a rival that is going through a great moment. They have started the season very well," Mascherano said. Minnesota currently occupies the second position in the MLS Western Conference, boasting an impressive record of five wins, two losses, and four draws. They trail only Vancouver in the standings.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, behind Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union, and FC Cincinnati. The team is eager to climb the standings and close the gap on the league leaders.
Mascherano emphasized the difficulty of playing away from home in MLS, stating, "We expect a tough opponent, as most opponents are here in MLS, especially when you have to play away from home. But anyway, I think we will be well prepared."
The match against Minnesota United presents a significant test for Inter Miami. The Herons will need to overcome the absence of Suarez, navigate the challenges of playing on the road, and contend with a motivated and in-form opponent. Messi’s presence will be crucial in guiding the team through this difficult stretch. His leadership, skill, and experience will be essential as Inter Miami strives to secure valuable points and maintain their momentum in the MLS season.
The road trip to Minnesota and San Jose marks a crucial juncture in Inter Miami’s season. The team’s performance in these matches will provide valuable insights into their ability to compete against top MLS teams and solidify their position as a championship contender. With Messi leading the charge and the team determined to overcome the absence of Suarez, Inter Miami is poised to embark on this challenging journey with confidence and determination. The matches promise to be filled with excitement, drama, and captivating soccer action, offering fans a glimpse into the Herons’ aspirations for the 2025 MLS season.
