USMNT legend says Inter Miami can handle preseason schedule

Former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes that Lionel Messi and his Miami teammates have a lot to gain from their globetrotting tour.

William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jan 30th, 2024 13:15 EST

Inter MiamiInter Miami/EFE

How much is too much? Having spent big to bring Lionel Messi and an ever-widening circle of ex-Barça colleagues to MLS, Inter Miami are eager to get the most out of their investment.

The globe-trotting preseason tour began with games in El Salvador and Texas, before jetting off to Saudi Arabia and soon on to Japan and Hong Kong. While the commercial gain is obvious, some are concerned that Miami’s intense schedule could take a toll on their aging superstars.

But former Manchester united and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has dismissed those claims, saying that the medical resources available to modern players will help keep them fit and healthy.

“There are fears that the hangover from all this travel and all these games will affect Messi and co. I think that’s a convenient excuse,” the former USMNT goalkeeper wrote.

“I don’t buy it because preseason is for building fitness and sports science is the be-all and end-all of these clubs. They’re monitoring every single heartbeat of these players.”

Lionel Messi & Inter Miami begin their global international preseason tour in El Salvador. As the team bus arrives at the hotel, many fans are there to greet them. As long as Messi is there, this is the club’s new normal.(@CulebritaM / Javier Benítez)pic.twitter.com/AtjOFKEDQa

— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) January 19, 2024

However he did admit that the long time away from home and uncertain surroundings are not pleasant for players and coaches alike. Most elite modern clubs take advantage of the off-season break to travel to new markets and help spread the ‘brand’, but those involved often do so reluctantly.

Howard said that, in his experience, coaches “hate the commercial demands of touring, even if they appreciate the financial benefit these trips bring their club.”

Life on the road could help team bonding

During the course of their seven-date preseason tour, the Inter Miami squad will cover some 24,000 miles in less than four weeks. Even with the first class travel that elite athletes have come to expect, it may not be the most relaxing spell for the players.

But the shared experience of a whirlwind journey could, in Tim Howard’s view, prove to be the most important part of the tour.

MIA ✈️ RUH pic.twitter.com/ODPjVXbYAc

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) January 25, 2024

He explained: “Spending more time with each other – having a coffee in the hotel lobby, playing some cards – is priceless. Trust has never been built on the pitch. It’s always built off it.”