Inter Miami is fully committed to keeping Lionel Messi on the pitch in the lead-up to the World Cup. Head coach Javier Mascherano has openly stated that the team’s aspirations would be nearly unattainable without the Argentine legend’s presence.
Although Messi has not yet officially declared his intention to compete for Argentina this summer, his role as captain seems secure as the team aims to defend the title they captured in Qatar in 2022. The prospect of Messi not leading his nation is hard to fathom, given both his experience and his past performances.
Inter Miami’s efforts in the MLS have been solid thus far, with three victories out of their first five matches. This includes a thrilling 3-2 win yesterday against New York City, where Messi not only played the entire match but also contributed with a goal—a testament to his continued impact on the field.
Mascherano on Messi’s Playing Comfort
Mascherano emphasizes that Messi thrives on consistent gameplay and believes this activity benefits his physical condition. He mentions that the club prioritizes Messi’s well-being, stressing that decisions regarding his playtime are made collaboratively with the player. “We try to take care of him as much as possible,” Mascherano noted. “He feels most at ease when he is playing. That has a positive effect on his body. We’ll continue monitoring how he feels on a day-to-day basis, especially as we enter this crucial World Cup phase.”
Mascherano acknowledges Messi’s key role in their campaign, stating, “Without him, reaching our targets would be impossible. We are fully aware of this dynamic, and we need to keep communication open, ensuring we check in regularly about his physical condition and overall feelings about the upcoming games.”
Reduction of Schedule Benefits Messi
Messi’s game load has been mitigated following Inter Miami’s exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Nashville. The team’s last match before the league takes a break for the World Cup is scheduled for May 24 against Philadelphia. Mascherano is optimistic, expressing that he anticipates having a complete roster for that game, citing a lighter schedule in the upcoming months.
“We don’t foresee many midweek games in the next few weeks,” he explained. “With only a couple of weeks off, we will primarily be focusing on one match each week. Any game where we can have Messi available represents a significant advantage for the team.”
Currently, Messi has joined the Argentina squad for upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia. Although the team was originally set to face Euro 2024 champions Spain in the Finalissima on Friday, that match has been canceled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, altering their plans for international competition.
