Is Lionel Messi sitting out? Again? Yeah, it’s not what Inter Miami fans wanted to see. But before you freak out, let’s break it down. There’s a plan, and no, it’s not some crazy MLS conspiracy.
Key Highlights
- Messi is not injured – His absence is due to workload management.
- Mascherano is playing it safe – No risks with fitness in a packed schedule.
- Messi returns soon – Expected in upcoming matches.
Messi’s Absence: Caution or Concern?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t played since February 25. That’s three straight games on the bench, including a tough 1-0 win over Charlotte FC. But here’s the thing: Messi isn’t injured. So what’s going on?
Javier Mascherano, who knows Messi better than most, said this:
“The reality is that in the case of Leo maybe we had thought about giving him minutes in the game. But since the game was played with one man less, and taking into consideration the time he has without playing, we thought that the best thing was to preserve it. We didn’t want to risk it.”
Makes sense. Inter Miami had to grind out a result with 10 men. Throwing Lionel Messi in without full match sharpness? That’s a risk Mascherano wasn’t willing to take.
The Bigger Picture: Managing Messi’s Minutes
Lionel Messi isn’t just any player. He’s 36, playing in a league with brutal travel schedules and carrying the hopes of an entire club. Inter Miami’s schedule is relentless—MLS, Champions Cup, international duty. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Mascherano said this too:
“It’s a long season for us. We have a tough game Thursday. Will be difficult, difficult in Jamaica. So we have to be ready. It’s not easy. We are playing every three, four days. We are tired. The squad is not too long. We have some injuries, but we keep going forward. In football, we have two ways: excuses or results. And we have to choose results.”
Translation? Lionel Messi’s rest isn’t random. It’s intentional. Inter Miami isn’t chasing short-term gains at the expense of long-term damage. And to be honest, they’re playing it smart.
What’s Next?
Lionel Messi’s not far away. Next stop? The return leg against Cavalier in the Champions Cup. Then Atlanta United in MLS. Then international duty with Argentina vs. Uruguay and Brazil.
For Inter Miami, it’s about balance. Play him too soon, and you risk injury. Keep him out too long, and you lose rhythm. Mascherano and the staff are tightrope walkers.
So, should Miami fans be worried? Not really. This isn’t a crisis. It’s strategy. And if Messi comes back 100%, it’ll all be worth it.
