'He’s good' - Latest Lionel Messi absence explained as Inter Miami lose unbeaten MLS record after resting Argentine icon

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner played no part in a dramatic clash with FC Dallas at Chase Stadium. The Herons led that contest 3-1 at one stage, but three goals in the space of 17 minutes turned the tie on its head.

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Inter Miami have lost their unbeaten record in MLS this season, with Messi taking in regular breaks from competitive action. Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also sat out the meeting with Dallas.

Messi’s game time has been carefully managed as the Argentine has been nursing muscle problems. The all-time great is, however, clear of any injuries at present and should be raring to go for the second leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Mascherano told reporters when asked about his talismanic captain: “Leo is good. Obviously we decided, like many of our team-mates, to reserve him after the game against Vancouver where we had to travel for six to seven hours and play on synthetic grass. But he's good, he trained today so he's ready.”

Inter Miami will need Messi to be at his best when the Whitecaps pay a visit to South Florida on Wednesday. That is because they trail that contest 2-0 on aggregate and are in danger of seeing a first piece of silverware in 2025 slip out of reach.