Inter Miami have no ‘secret formula’ for Lionel Messi conundrum as Argentine GOAT leads bid for historic MLS Cup triumph

Having carefully managed the Argentine’s workload at the start of the 2025 campaign, as he nursed muscle complaints, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has figured prominently during a hectic run of MLS and FIFA Club World Cup fixtures.

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Mascherano would, in an ideal world, like to take his talismanic captain out of the firing line occasionally - helping to keep him fresh for the business end of the season. He does, however, have little choice but to keep selecting his iconic No.10 at present.

Messi played 90 minutes again as Inter Miami suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Cincinnati last time out - with his historic run of scoring braces in five successive games coming to a shuddering halt.

Inter Miami have a number of other players carrying knocks at present, meaning that they cannot bench Messi, with Mascherano telling reporters: “We have to find a way to rest and still compete and win. There’s no secret formula for that. We’ll keep going from match to match trying to go out there with the best and healthiest team possible. Next will be to obtain those three points against New York and hopefully get more of our injured players healthy.”

The Herons will be heading to the Big Apple on Saturday for a meeting with the Red Bulls. Inter Miami sit fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference, eight points off the summit but with three games in hand on leaders Philadelphia.