Javier Mascherano reveals why he rested Lionel Messi against Houston Dynamo

The Argentine had to be rested due to fatigue in Miami’s previous game.

Javier Mascherano acknowledges that Inter Miami rested the Argentine sensation against Houston Dynamo FC due to the possibility of losing Lionel Messi “for a month.”

This season, the Herons have only played four matches in all competitions. One of those games has already been missed by their lucky captain, the current MLS MVP. The team defeated the Houston Dynamo 4-1 without Messi.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still the biggest attraction in American soccer. Therefore, the Dynamo were giving out free tickets to those who were unable to witness the Messi experience because he was not present at that match in their game. The nation’s fans are clamoring to see the greatest of all time in action.

However, Inter Miami are unwilling to take any chances regarding his fitness. In light of this, Mascherano has spoken regarding resting Messi in their previous game:

“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 scored goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season. When Inter Miami play Cavalier FC of Jamaica tonight, they will be back in that competition. Mascherano also included his renowned No. 10 in that match:

 “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.”

Inter Miami will meet Charlotte FC in the Major League Soccer match on Sunday after hosting Cavalier in the first leg of their last-16 matchup. Whether Messi is asked to participate in two matches in four days is still up in the air.

Lionel Messi claims he always wanted to end up playing in the MLS towards the end of his career. 🫡🇺🇸“The truth is, I always had it in my mind to play in MLS. I felt drawn to Inter because it’s a growing club, still very new, and I liked the idea of coming here to help it… pic.twitter.com/P8szeGnScq

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) March 5, 2025

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