Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino has revealed whether the injured Lionel Messi will be able to play in the upcoming match against Newell’s Old Boys.

Inter Miami is preparing to face Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys in the final friendly match before the new season. They will then begin their campaign to conquer MLS 2024 next week.

Lionel Messi, who remained out of action for much of the team’s tour to Asia, has been cleared to face his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys as confirmed by coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino .​

Speaking at an event held at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, the former Barcelona coach revealed that the 2022 world champion has regained full fitness and is ready to take the field against his former team.

Tata Martino told reporters: “Lionel Messi is fine and will start. He is the starter.”

The 1987-born legend got into trouble in China after he did not play even a minute in the club’s friendly match against the Hong Kong team last week. A hamstring injury forced M10 out of action but his absence from the field angered fans and local officials.

Accordingly, the Beijing Football Association is said to have canceled Argentina’s international friendly matches with Nigeria and Ivory Coast, where Messi was expected to appear in March.

The Herons are close to completing the signing of another Argentine star as they prepare to beat Bayern Munich in the race to sign Federico Redendo – the son of former Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo. The Florida team will begin the MLS season on February 22 against Real Salt Lake.