Javier Mascherano revealed that Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi could be rested for their huge MLS clash with Nashville SC this weekend due to the team's hectic schedule. 

Messi played a starring role in Miami's win over the New England Revolution, becoming the first player in league history to score multiple goals in four straight games.

But concerns over the Argentine's fitness have surfaced after he played in all the Herons' four fixtures at the Club World Cup, completing 90 minutes in each of those matches.

Mascherano said that he considered resting Messi during their victory over New England last time out, but Carles Gil's late goal forced the head coach to change his mind. 

"Our initial plan was to give him some rest tonight," Mascherano said during his post-match press conference after the win over New England.

"But once New England scored, we felt the pressure and decided to keep him on. In the next few matches, we need to find the right moment to let him rest.

"We were clear that Leo would play, but we were hoping the game would give us a window to rest him.

"Once New England scored, we felt it was better to keep him on the pitch. Still, at some point, we need to give him a break."

Standing in Miami's way this weekend is Nashville, who sit second in the Eastern Conference standings after a huge win over third-placed Philadelphia Union last time out. 

Despite going down to 10-men in the 63rd minute, Hany Mukhtar's penalty in the 11th minute of second-half stoppage time sealed the three points for the Coyotes. 

And despite the magnitude of that triumph, Sam Surridge, who is the top scorer in the MLS this season, believes their clash with Miami is much bigger. 

"It's definitely a bigger game," said Surridge. "Philly on Saturday was a massive game.

"I think that was probably our biggest game this season, and we've come away winners of it, and I think we can definitely now take that into Miami.

"Since I've been at the club, we haven't beaten Miami. So, hopefully next Saturday now we can carry on."

Surridge's form has seen him linked with a move away from the MLS, but the 26-year-old's full focus remains on helping Nashville win titles. 

"I'm definitely happy at the moment in Nashville," added Surridge. "I'm settled, and it's going to take a lot for me to change that, because this is what I've wanted in my career.

"I've wanted that faith from a club, and so it'll take a lot for me to give that up."I just want to keep doing well with the team, and I want to win something with Nashville.

"I think that's the main thing. Since I've come here, I've wanted, [and] our goal, is to win as a club. This season, we've definitely got the tools to do it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

After sending MLS records tumbling against New England, Messi will be looking to continue his fine run of form against one of his favoured opponents in recent years.

The Argentine has scored five goals in five career matches against Nashville in all competitions.

The Coyotes are one of 16 teams Messi has faced five or more times and averaged at least a goal per game against during his career.

Nashville – Sam Surridge

But Nashville have a striker of their own who has enjoyed a recent purple patch. Surridge has scored in each of his last five regular-season away matches for Nashville, a club record.

The only player with a longer road scoring streak in MLS since the beginning of the 2020 season is Philip Zinckernagel, who has an active run of six straight road games with a goal for the Chicago Fire.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Inter Miami are unbeaten in seven straight meetings with Nashville, including winning each of the last three. Nashville had won four of the first seven meetings between the sides (D2 L1).

But the Coyotes come into the game in form. They are unbeaten in 12 straight regular-season matches (W8 D4), including winning the last four in a row.

The 12-match unbeaten run is the longest in Nashville's MLS history, while this is the third time the club has won four straight league matches.

Miami, meanwhile, have scored nine goals in their last two home matches, a 4-2 win over CF Montreal and a 5-1 win over the Columbus Crew. They have scored at least three goals in five of their last seven home matches, totalling 20 goals over those seven games.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 51.2%

Draw – 24.8%

Nashville – 24%