From Miami is ready for its second match of 2025 Ml spice Dynamo Houston After an exciting 2-2 draw in the season opener against New York City FC. With the team still undefeated, Coach Javier Mascherano has made an important decision regarding Lionel Messi’s participation.
After two months of inactivity, Inter Miami met a packed schedule and juggled the Americas Tour, MLS matches and Concacaf Champions Cup. Messi’s commitment to each game so far got Mascherano to take a decisive step.
As reported by Michelle Kaufman, Mascherano has decided that Lionel Messi will not travel with the team to Houston for the match against Dynamo. The decision does not depend on harm, but to give the star a much needed rest after the demanding schedule.
The club confirmed this decision by publishing photos on X, showing players such as Suarez, Segovia, Falcon and Crabaschi aboard the plane, But Messi was noticeably absent. This will highlight The first game of the 2025 season and for the season where Messi will not present. Since the first for the season against Club America, Messi has played in each match, a total of 8 matches in just 37 days.
Although it is still early in the season, Mascherano remains focused on delivering results in all competitions. Messi is expected to return fresh and ready for the Champions Cup match against Jamaican Side Cavalier SC next Thursday.
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Messi’s playing time and residual management
An important topic last season was the handling of Messi’s playing time. Former coach Gerardo Martino Rotated Messi’s participation carefully to keep him fresh for the most critical matches, a strategy that became particularly clear during the latter part of the season. Mascherano dealt with this strategy when he was questioned about Messi’s minutes.
“We must put everything in context; We played a knockout round. We started the season in Kansas, where the Champions Cup is an important competition for us, and between the two matches in the knockout round we had the beginning of MLS, which is another competition we are aiming for“Explained Mascherano.
“When we talk about rotating and managing the players, we have to put it in context. We didn’t have the rest we would have because the match date changed. When we find the right moment to handle, we will. Meanwhile we will push forward“Returned the Inter Miami chief.
Messi trained with the team before the trip, but given Mascherano’s comments it is clear that The game against Houston will be used as an opportunity for the star to charge. So far this season, Messi has contributed 2 goals and 2 assists in three official matches.
