Inter Miami win vs. Hong Kong Team without Messi, Suárez
Addressing the media postgame, head coach Tata Martino said Messi was dealing with adductor inflammation and Suárez had knee inflammation. Looking ahead to Inter Miami’s MLS regular-season opener on Feb. 21 vs. Real Salt Lake (8 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), they opted not to risk the superstar forwards.
“We understand the fans’ disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologize for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff,” Martino said post-game after a sold-out crowd of 40,000 flocked to see the Herons.
“If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much risk involved.”
Yet Inter Miami found a clinical touch in the final third, pouring four goals past the collection of Hong Kong league standouts. Robert Taylor (40′), Lawson Sunderland (50′), Leonardo Campana (56′) and Ryan Sailor (85′) all scored.
Another development: Inter Miami switched from their five-man backline to a 4-3-3 formation, a decision Martino acknowledged helped his players seem “more comfortable.” And they largely competed without Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, though the other half of Inter Miami’s Big Four entered as 62nd-minute substitutes.
Two tests remain in Inter Miami’s preseason travels: Feb. 7 at reigning J1 League champions Vissel Kobe and Feb. 15 home to Argentine top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys.
