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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Martino provides Messi update</li><li>Played 30 minutes against Vissel Kobe</li><li>Asked the coach to play in game</li></ul>

Lionel Messi 'happy' after Vissel Kobe friendly as Tata Martino offers injury update on Inter Miami superstar

Gamba Osaka

Vissel Kobe

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been suffering with physical issues in the pre-season with Inter Miami having played very few minutes since their match against Al-Hilal. Messi missed the clash against a Hong Kong XI which <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/inter-miami-asked-reasonable-explanation-lionel-messi-play-vissel-kobe-tour-controversy-continues/bltbcfdd99380fee607" target="_blank">provoked quite a bit of controversy</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/scammed-lionel-messi-s-fans-in-china-express-disappointment-inter-miami-hong-kong-xi/blt33ca73b8a67cf8a6" target="_blank">drew anger from fans</a>. However, he managed to play 30 minutes in the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-denied-goal-line-clearance-inter-miami-vissel-kobe-friendly-sergio-busquets-injury/blt5a463a8597b13c6d" target="_blank">Herons' penalty shootout loss against Vissel Kobe</a> in Tokyo.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Martino told the Miami Herald: "I think it was an even game, they played better in the first half, they had opportunities to score and we improved as the game progressed in the second hal. After yesterday’s training session, Leo told me he felt good and we made the decision to put him in for 30 minutes. He was happy after the game because he said he felt comfortable there."

WHAT MARTINO SAID

Inter Miami have had a very poor pre-season so far having won just one of six games and that win came against a Hong Kong XI. Their pre-season started with a goalless draw against El Salvador, followed by a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas before their 4-3 and 6-0 losses to Al-Hilal and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/inter-miami-al-nassr-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo/blt5eb2868cf43dc7a3" target="_blank">Al-Nassr</a>. Despite this, they remain bookmakers' favourites to win the MLS this season, thanks to their unreal star power with players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets helping out Messi.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Herons will play their last friendly against Messi's former side, Newell's Old Boys before starting their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on February 21. It is still unknown if the Argentine would be fit to start in either of the two clashes.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Lionel Messi 'happy' after Vissel Kobe friendly as Tata Martino offers injury update on Inter Miami superstar | Goal.com Nigeria

Lionel Messi came on as a substitute against Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has provided an update on the Argentine&apos;s injury situation.