Inter Miami coach explains why Messi has not played for three consecutive matches

Messi was not included in the squad for Inter Miami’s MLS match against Houston Dynamo and the CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Jamaican side Cavalier F.C.

However, according to Javier Mascherano, the 37-year-old forward was not injured. "He is fatigued from playing three matches in six days," the coach explained in a press conference. "We decided to give him rest, knowing the risks we take if we lose the best player in the world."

The decision to rest Messi was met with speculation, as fans and media questioned whether there was an underlying injury or a tactical reason behind his absence. Mascherano, however, remained firm in his explanation, emphasizing that managing Messi’s workload was essential to keeping him at peak condition for the long season ahead. "We know what he brings to the team, and we know that every game he plays increases our chances of winning. But at his age, and with the intensity of the matches we have, we must be smart about how we use him," Mascherano added.

Against Charlotte FC, Messi returned to the squad, giving fans hope that he would make an appearance. However, as the match unfolded, it became clear that the Argentine legend would not step onto the pitch. Inter Miami faced adversity early on, receiving a red card in the first half that forced them to adjust their tactics and focus on defensive solidity. Despite the numerical disadvantage, they managed to take a 1-0 lead early in the second half, a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline.

With the team down to ten men, Mascherano opted to protect his former teammate, choosing not to risk him in a high-intensity, physically demanding match. "Considering the time he hasn’t played, we thought it was best to rest him and not take any risks in this situation," he stated after the game. Mascherano’s decision was strategic, prioritizing Messi’s fitness for the upcoming crucial fixtures rather than forcing him into a match where he could be exposed to unnecessary fatigue or injury.

Despite Messi’s absence on the pitch, Inter Miami held on to secure a 1-0 victory over Charlotte, showing determination and resilience. The win was an important one, keeping the team’s momentum intact as they continue their campaign in both the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Players like Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets stepped up in Messi’s absence, demonstrating that while the team revolves around the Argentine star, they are not entirely dependent on him to win games.

The victory sets the stage for an even more critical match on Friday, when Inter Miami will play the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Champions League equivalent for North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. They will face Cavalier F.C. in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, where anticipation is at an all-time high. A sold-out stadium of thirty-five thousand fans is eagerly expecting to see Messi back on the pitch, with local supporters and traveling Miami fans hoping for a glimpse of the footballing icon.

Messi’s potential return against Cavalier F.C. will be crucial for Inter Miami’s chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament. While the team managed a positive result in the first leg without him, his presence in the second leg could be the deciding factor in securing progression. Mascherano hinted that Messi’s inclusion would depend on how he felt in the final training sessions leading up to the match, stating, "We will evaluate his condition, and if he is ready, he will play. He wants to be there, and we want him on the pitch, but we will not force anything."

Inter Miami’s journey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup represents their ambition to establish themselves as a dominant force in North American football. With Messi leading the way, they have the potential to make a deep run in the competition, but managing his fitness will be key to balancing their domestic and international commitments. As Friday’s match approaches, the excitement surrounding his return continues to grow, and all eyes will be on whether he takes the field in Kingston to guide his team to another victory.