Mascherano Is Clear: Messi Needs to Rest
Inter Miami has ambitious goals this season and, to achieve them, the club has made a key decision: carefully manage the minutes of its players, including Lionel Messi, throughout the season.
The Florida-based team has two clear objectives: defend its MLS title and compete seriously for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a trophy that would be historic for the club owned by David Beckham, as it would represent the first continental title in the institution’s history.
Rotation Will Be Key to Compete on All Fronts
However, achieving both goals will not be easy. The schedule is demanding, and head coach Javier Mascherano is well aware of it: constant squad rotation will be necessary to manage physical fatigue.
“It would be a big mistake to choose which competition to focus on. We have to compete equally in all of them,” the Argentine coach explained, aware of the enormous expectations that come with having one of the greatest footballers in history on the roster. For that reason, he is designing a plan that allows Inter Miami to aim for a historic double.
Within that plan, Lionel Messi will be one of the players who receives rest in certain matches throughout the season. The idea is to have him in the best possible condition for the most important games.
The World Cup Is Also on the Horizon
For now, Lionel Messi will continue starting and logging minutes, as the Argentine superstar also wants to maintain competitive rhythm ahead of the FIFA World Cup. However, with the tournament getting closer — where he will look to defend the title won with Argentina — he also understands the importance of taking care of his body while still pursuing Inter Miami’s objectives.
One of the most important matches ahead for the team will be this Wednesday against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. This tournament is a priority for the club, so it would not be surprising to see Inter Miami’s full attacking firepower on the field. That said, it would also not be unusual if Javier Mascherano fields a different starting lineup in the next MLS match due to the planned rotations.
The Argentine coach’s task is not an easy one. Having Lionel Messi on the team and deciding when not to use him is never simple. Under other circumstances, "La Pulga" would likely play almost every match, but this year he also has a very clear personal goal: to arrive in peak condition for what could be his final FIFA World Cup.
Argentina will be chasing its fourth star, and Lionel Messi wants to be ready to once again lead La Albiceleste on football’s biggest stage. Meanwhile, in Inter Miami, the challenge will be to find the perfect balance between competing for everything and protecting their biggest star.
