Why more MLS fans will miss the Lionel Messi show - Inter Miami boss delivers 'rest' update on Argentine GOAT

The Herons have made a point of handling their eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with care this season. With Messi nursing the odd muscle complaint, which has also kept him out of 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Argentina, no risks are being taken on his fitness.

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The all-time great has sat out domestic, international and continental action this term. He has, however, seen Inter Miami enjoy an unbeaten start to their MLS Cup bid for 2025, while also reaching the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals.

Messi has started three successive games of late, but more breaks are being hinted at. Ahead of a meeting with the Chicago Fire - with fans in Illinois having been left disappointed by no shows in the last two seasons - Mascherano insists he will not be pressured into making certain selections calls.

Inter Miami’s head coach said of naming Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in his starting XI on a regular basis: "If they are feeling fine, they will play, by feeling fine, I mean 100 per cent physically and mentally. If any of them are not, they will rest, but our idea is to put the best out there.

"It was the same against Toronto last week. [Some] may have questioned us playing with The Big Four in that game, and yes, sometimes you must manage minutes, but the team dynamics and getting good results are also important. Those four help us a lot with leadership on game days. We want to manage the load but also use them as much as possible."

Messi remains the biggest draw in MLS, with fans across North America desperate to catch a glimpse of him in action whenever Inter Miami roll into town. They may get more opportunities to watch that show, with a contract extension in South Florida through 2026 expected to be agreed.