Lionel Messi: Will Messi play in Inter Miami's next match against Vissel Kobe?

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Inter Miami won their first match since late September last year. After going 13 matches without a win including a few pre-season matches, they won their first one against Hong Kong All Stars XI on February 4.

However, the match did not go without controversies. Miami took to the field without any of their four-star players. Even though Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets came off the bench later, neither Lionel Messi nor Luis Suarez played a minute of the game.

The crowd in Hong Kong was not happy to see this and they 'boo’ed the Miami team when they were on the field. As per reports from multiple sources, the Hong Kong government is also looking to withdraw its $2 million grant.

Inter Miami have two more pre-season games before they begin their season on February 22 against Real Salt Lake City. Their next friendlies are against Vissel Kobe on February 7 and Newell's Old Boys on February 16. The spectators in Japan could also be disappointed.

Lionel Messi is 36 and Luis Suarez is 37 years old. If they play regularly in the MLS along with games for their national teams, they will have to play over 40 matches next year. Hence, they will need their rest as well.

Before their match in Hong Kong, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said that Messi would play the match. However, that didn't happen. Messi might not appear against Vissel Kobe either as he would want some playing time against Newell’s Old Boys later.

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami at the start of last season and played constantly till he helped them win their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup. However, he then sustained an injury and had to sit back for almost the rest of the season.

Luis Suarez was not playing for some time due to a knee injury before he came to the club a few weeks ago. If the two of them are to help the team win their first MLS, it's natural that they will take breaks often to stay fit.