From Miamis decision to Rest Lionel Messi while Luis Suarez continues to play Has raised the eyebrows among the fans. With both players Barcelona Legends and approach the latter stages of their career, the club’s contrasting attitude to their playing time has led to plenty of debate.
While Messi has been on the page for three consecutive games, including the latest 1-0 victory over CharlotteSuarez has continued to contain prominent and played a key role in the success of his side. The reasoning behind this Treatment difference has now been explained and illustrated why the two stars are handled in different ways.
Heron’s recent victory marked their Third victory in a row without Messi in the set -up. Despite the 37-year-old’s absence, Head coach Javier Mascherano had originally planned to bring him off the bench. After Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari Sent during the first half, the coach decided to take the risk. “We had considered giving Leo minutes, but under the conditions of the game it was wise to preserve him,” The manager told reporters.
With From Miami Leads 2-0 from the first leg of theirs Concacaf Champions Cup tie against CavalierThere is speculation that the eight times the Ballon d’Or winner could return in the upcoming fixture. However, with crucial international matches against Uruguay and Brazil Later in March, the club takes a cautious attitude to his fitness.
Why Suarez plays while Messi is resting
One of the biggest call points in Miami’s squad rotation has been Continued presence of suarez Although Messi is rested. On 38 years oldSuarez is even older than Messi and has a long history of knee problemsRequires extensive preparations just to get in the field.
Yet, He has played in 85% of Miami’s minutes this season, including 60 minutes in Win against Charlotte– Where he gave a crucial assist. So why is Messi handled so carefully while Suarez continues to play regularly?
Mascherano has trivialized concerns about Messi’s condition, but reports indicate that Argentine has been To handle muscle cramps and spasms Then his The first performances this season. Unlike Suarez, whose questions are joint -relatedMessi’s problems are Soft tissue -basedWhich means he is more prone to harm if it is not handled properly.
Previous Premier League defender Danny Higgybothamnow an MLS -pounded, explained that The difference in playing styles also plays a role in how they are treated. “There are two completely different players,” Higgybotham told Apple -TV. “I go back to my football career … Some players can rest for a few weeks and come back fresh. But I was a player who had to play week in, week out. Because if I was missing a game, it took me three games to come back again. “
“I look at Suarez like that. I think Suarez is that kind of player, you just keep playing him. Because if you rest him, if you stop him, it will take him a long time to come back to the rhythm of things. “
Statistics prove the difference
Higgybotham’s theory is supported by Suarez’s performancesBecause Uruguayan has struggled to score after returning from long layoffs. For example, he failed to score in his The first three MLS matches in 2024And after Copa America last summer, he endured a target dryer when he returned. But his form improved when he played regularly, Contributes in each of Miami’s last four matches.
However, Messi tends to hit the land after absence. He made in his first match for Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup, found the net Immediately after a two -month damage to the injury Last September, and despite harsh weather conditions he made in his First match 2025 Against Sporting Kansas City. This contrast suggests that the Argentine veteran don’t need so much playing time to stay sharpWhile Suarez Requires constant rhythm to maintain its form.
