Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano assured this Wednesday that Lionel Messi is not suffering from any injury but rather muscle overload, which led to the decision to rest him in the last MLS match against Houston Dynamo.

In the press conference ahead of Thursday’s match against Cavalier from Jamaica, in the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions League, Mascherano explained the Argentine star’s situation and did not confirm whether he would start. "Leo has not suffered any injury, but as games go by, he has felt fatigue and muscle overload. That’s why we decided he wouldn’t travel to Houston," he stated.

The coach also justified the decision to preserve him to avoid greater risks. "We have already had some injuries, and we don’t want such an important player for us to end up sidelined for a month just because we didn’t give him some rest," he added. Messi did not play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory over Houston Dynamo last Sunday.

Will Messi start against Cavalier?

The Argentine forward has had an impressive start to the season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the three matches he has played. However, Mascherano has yet to decide if he will start against the Jamaican team. "The chances are the same as for the rest of the players; we’ll see what decision we make tomorrow," he commented.

With uncertainty surrounding his participation, Inter Miami fans eagerly await the lineup confirmation for the crucial Concachampions match, where the team will look to advance in the tournament.