Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez sat out training ahead of Inter Miami‘s clash with Dallas on Sunday.
Inter Miami are set to return to MLS action after experiencing disappointment in Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup meeting with Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada.
Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter grabbed a goal apiece to condemn the Herons to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final tie.
Inter Miami will try to overturn the two-goal deficit when they welcome Vancouver to Chase Stadium for Wednesday’s return fixture.
Before that contest, Inter Miami will look to extend their unbeaten start to the MLS season to eight matches in Sunday’s home meeting with Dallas.
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Messi, Suarez miss Inter Miami training
However, it is unclear what role Messi or Suarez will play in the home fixture, with Inter Miami keeping one eye on Wednesday’s crucial Champions Cup clash.
As per the Miami Herald, the key attacking duo and goalkeeper Oscar Ustari were not involved in Saturday’s open training session.
There is a suggestion that Messi and Suarez could be rested following the 72-hour turnaround from Thursday’s trip to Canada.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano explained that he is set to make changes for Sunday’s MLS game.
“One thing is to play every three days, which the majority of our players are accustomed to, but it’s another thing to play less than 72 hours after the previous game,” Mascherano told reporters.
“We finished Thursday’s game past midnight Miami time, and we are playing Sunday at 5pm. It was a flight back of more than six hours.
“Surely, there will be changes in the lineup because even though the most important thing after a loss is to play again and get back to winning right away, we know what awaits us on Wednesday.”
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Why is the importance of the Champions Cup to Inter Miami?
The Champions Cup appears to be taking priority at this stage of the season, with Inter Miami looking to win the competition for the first time in their history.
The Herons will be incentivised by the fact that the winner of the tournament will earn a place in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
There is also a financial benefit to lifting the trophy because the winning team will receive $5m (£3.8m) for their efforts.
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