Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano explains Lionel Messi’s absence from squad
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirms Messi is not injured but was rested to prevent potential setbacks after a grueling schedule.
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The football season has started in the US, and expectedly, fans have started flocking to the stadiums in Inter Miami’s games to see Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine star has already missed two straight games early in the season. Inter Miami have been winning without their ace, but still curious and eager for his return, there have been questions.
Following Miami’s recent win against Cavalier FC in the CONCACAF round of 16 first leg match, head coach Javier Mascherano has recently clarified the reason behind Lionel Messi’s absence in their recent few matches. He explained and assured the fans that the Argentine star is only being rested.
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“Leo hasn’t had any injuries,” Mascherano confirmed. “Obviously, with the matches, he has felt the fatigue, he has had an overload, but that’s why we decided he will not go to Houston. We don’t want to risk him being out for a month.”
Messi has played eight matches in 40 days, including three games in a span of six days between February 19-26. This heavy workload includes MLS fixtures, the CONCACAF Premier Cup, and preseason games across multiple countries.
They want to avoid potential injuries for the 37-year-old after a demanding schedule. Messi missed their 2-0 win over Cavalier FC on Thursday and their 1-4 win against Houston Dynamo last Sunday in MLS. The absence of Messi in that MLS match was such that it led Houston to offer free tickets to disappointed fans.
Messi’s Status Remains Uncertain
Messi may have missed the Cavalier match, but he was present at Chase Stadium, watching from an on-field suite alongside his family. Mascherano hasn’t given any specific date for Messi’s return. He reiterated that any decision on the star’s return will remain day-to-day.
“The chances [that Leo plays] are the same as the rest of the players. We’ll see what decision we make tomorrow,” Mascherano said. “He is training. He trained yesterday, he trained today. We’ll see, he’s in good health, but we’ll see what’s good for us.”
Inter Miami will host Charlotte FC in MLS on Sunday before they travel to Jamaica for the CONCACAF round of 16 second leg against Cavalier FC. Everyone’s expecting a sold-out crowd of 35,000 at the stadium on that occasion, eager to see Messi in action.
Additionally, Messi will be joining the Argentina squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers later this month. Argentina will be facing Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. His return to the Inter Miami lineup will likely depend on his fitness and international commitments.
