Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has stressed the importance of protecting Lionel Messi and other international stars ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine manager said players competing on the global stage must be “cared for, protected and kept happy” in order to perform at their best during football’s biggest tournament.

“A World Cup is the highest expression of football. We have great players who will take part, and we must protect and look after them so they can perform for their national teams,” Hoyos said before Friday’s training session.

In addition to Messi, Inter Miami also features several players with strong World Cup ambitions, including Rodrigo De Paul, Mexican forward Germán Berterame and Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Hoyos explained that the club is working carefully to ensure players arrive in peak condition for the tournament, especially with the MLS schedule set to pause during the World Cup period.

The comments come after a painful defeat for Inter Miami, who squandered a 3-0 lead and lost 4-3 to Orlando City last weekend in the Florida derby. Despite the setback, Hoyos insisted the squad remains united and motivated ahead of Saturday’s match against Toronto FC.

Inter Miami currently sit third in the Eastern Conference and will look to bounce back against a Toronto side also struggling for consistency in MLS play.

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