Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino expressed his disappointment on Friday after Major League Soccer (MLS) denied a request from the New York Red Bulls to postpone their upcoming match. Both teams are facing significant absences due to international duty, with six players from each team being called up by their respective national teams. This decision highlights the challenges that MLS teams face during FIFA international windows, as they are forced to compete without some of their key players.
Unlike other top leagues around the world, MLS continues to schedule matches during FIFA international windows, leading to a growing number of teams being without their star players. This puts teams at a disadvantage and affects the quality of the games being played. In the case of the Red Bulls and Miami, both teams will be missing crucial players in key positions, making it difficult for them to field their strongest lineups.
Among the players missing due to international duty are Miami’s Diego Gómez (Paraguay) and Drake Callender (U.S. men’s national team), as well as the Red Bulls’ Emil Forsberg (Sweden) and John Tolkin (U.S. under-23). The absence of these players will have a significant impact on the outcome of the match, as they are key contributors to their respective teams. Additionally, Miami will also be without their star player Lionel Messi, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Despite the challenges posed by the absence of several key players, manager Tata Martino remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He emphasized the need to adapt to the situation and assemble a competitive team, even in the absence of key players like Messi. Martino also provided an update on Messi’s recovery, indicating that the Argentine star is making progress and is on track to return to the pitch soon.
As MLS teams continue to navigate the challenges of international duty and player absences, it is clear that the league will need to address this issue moving forward. The lack of a break during FIFA international windows poses a significant challenge for teams, affecting the quality of the competition and the overall viewing experience for fans. It remains to be seen how MLS will address this issue in the future and whether changes will be made to accommodate the needs of teams and players alike.
The impact of international duty on MLS teams is substantial, as evidenced by the recent request by the Red Bulls to postpone their match with Miami. The absence of key players due to national team call-ups presents a significant challenge for teams, who must adapt and field competitive lineups in their absence. Moving forward, it will be important for MLS to consider the impact of playing through FIFA international windows and work towards finding a suitable solution that benefits all parties involved.
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