Lionel Messi is aiming to lead Inter Miami to their first trophy in club history against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.
How has Messi adapted to the physical demands of playing in South Florida? The heat, new team-mates, and the potential for playing on turf
“I was coming from a month or more of vacation. At first, it cost me a bit, the day-to-day, the training sessions and all of the games. It’s really hot, very humid during this time of year. Sometimes the heat has an effect on you. “But honestly I’ve been adapting. I feel really comfortable. I don’t think you can ever adapt completely to this climate. I’ve spoken to teammates who have lived here their whole lives and they still suffer a bit. We’ve learned to play through it. I don’t have a problem with it, nor do I have any issues with artificial turf. I played on turf throughout my academy days. I’ve played on those pitches my entire life.
This was a big moment for MLS. Messi will play on turf. That hasn’t always been the case for big stars who come to the league. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, and Didier Drogba, Marco Di Vaio and Alessandro Nesta were given days off when their clubs traveled to MLS stadiums that use artificial turf. It’s a conundrum because the players make that decision to protect themselves. But players of that caliber, in this league, are the main attractions.
If Messi doesn’t show up, which is entirely possible even without turf as an issue, well, the league doesn’t want to see that take place. Inter Miami will travel to Atlanta United’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16. It’s an NFL stadium with field turf, and the crowd that day is expected to surpass 70,000.
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