⁠Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :February 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM

Modified at :February 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM

Lionel Messi and coach Tata Martino to face their boyhood club in their final pre-season friendly

The DRV PNK Stadium is set to lit up for a friendly clash. Inter Miami will welcome Lionel Messi‘s boyhood club from back home in Argentina. Tata Martino’s team have had a fairly poor preseason till now. They have tasted defeats against the likes of Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Vissel Kobe. After this friendly affair, the Herons will shift focus to the 2024 Major League Soccer season preparation where they kick off the competition against Real Salt Lake.

Argentinian outfit Newell’s Old Boys were busy with Argentine Primera División’s first phase games. Apart from a 4-0 defeat to Racing Club just today, all previous four games ended as wins. Now Messi’s boyhood side will take part in this friendly that was announced back in December 2023 before taking on Estudiantes de La Plata on matchday 6.

Kick-Off:

Friday, 16 February 2024 at 12:30 AM UK (6:00 AM IST)

Location: DRV PNK Stadium

Form

⁠Inter Miami (in all competitions): L-W-L-L-L

Newell’s Old Boys (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (⁠Inter Miami)

No matter what he does in this game on the pitch, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. Messi’s career began in the youth system of Newell’s Old Boys and both parties will be excited to meet each other. Messi would like to lift his team using this friendly after their poor preseason before the 2024 MLS season kicks off.

Éver Banega (Newell’s Old Boys)

The three-time consecutive UEFA Europa League winner with Sevilla will be the one to watch and cherish. Éver Banega had to revoke his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab to join his favourite Argentinian club. In 5 of the Primera División’s first-phase games, Banega has put in an assist.

Match Facts

The first-ever meeting between both clubs is creating more excitement for the reunion of head coach Martino and Messi with their boyhood side
Current head coach of Inter Miami, Tata Martino had spent 14 years as a player with Newell’s while Messi too was there for 6 years in his early youth days
The Leprosos have won four out of their last five games while the Herons just once

Injury & Team News

Both Messi and Luis Suárez participated in the match against Japanese side Vissel Kobe last game. So it is likely they will feature here as well. Sergio Busquets had an ankle issue in the same game. But as things stand, the issue was casual and the defensive midfielder is likely to be given the green light.

For the visitors, Juan Sforza and Francisco Gonzalez were with their U23 Argentina national team in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. Although both of them will be back with the squad, they will likely sit out to recover properly.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 0

⁠Inter Miami wins – 0

Newell’s Old Boys wins – 0

Draws – 0

This friendly fixture will kickstart the first head-to-head battle between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys.

Predicted Lineup

⁠Inter Miami predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Callender (GK); Yedlin, Allen, Agustín Avilés, Alba; Ruiz, Busquets, Magalhaes Silva; Messi, Suárez, Gressel

Newell’s Old Boys predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Macagno (GK); Mendez, Velazquez, Glavinoch, Martino; Fernandez, Diaz; May, Banega, Aguirre; Ramirez

Match Prediction for Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys

As competitive games are around the corner for both clubs, the priority will be to stay fit and uninjured. Even with this in mind, with class footballers, the match will be exciting to watch. Messi and Co. are likely to be given a hard time after a rather disastrous preseason till now. A draw could be a fair end to all the buildup.

Prediction: ⁠Inter Miami 1-1 Newell’s Old Boys

Telecast for ⁠Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys

India – MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

UK – MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

US – MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Nigeria – MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

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