‘Out for a month’ risk led to Lionel Messi being rested by Inter Miami – with MLS outfit taking no gambles on Argentine superstar’s fitness

The Herons have taken in just four competitive appearances in the current campaign. Their talismanic captain, who is the reigning MVP of MLS, has already sat out one of those fixtures. Messi played no part in a 4-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

His absence from that contest has led to the Dynamo offering free tickets to those that missed out on the Messi experience, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remaining the biggest draw in American soccer. Fans across the country are desperate to catch a glimpse of the GOAT in action.

Inter Miami are not, however, prepared to take any gambles on his fitness. With that in mind, Mascherano has said of taking Messi out of the firing line: “Leo hasn't had any injuries. Obviously, with the matches, he has felt the fatigue, he has had an overload, but that's why we decided he not go to Houston.

“That's why, we have already had some injuries and we don't want to fall back on a player so important to us, because what if we don't give him a certain rest, he ends up injured and we don't want to be out for a month.”

Messi has been on target this season in CONCACAF Champions Cup competition. Inter Miami will return to that stage on Thursday when facing Jamaican side Cavalier FC. Mascherano added on throwing his iconic No.10 back into that contest: “The chances [that Leo plays] are the same as the rest of the players. We'll see. We'll see what decision we make. As of today, I haven't confirmed 100% of the team. Leo is training. We'll see, he's in good health, but we'll see what's good for us.”

After playing host to Cavalier in the first leg of their last-16 encounter, Inter Miami will remain on home soil for a MLS clash with Charlotte FC on Sunday. It remains to be seen whether Messi is asked to play two games in the space of four days.