Lionel Messi will not play against Orlando City, and Mascherano hints at a hidden plan for his return. Rest or tactics?

Messi out: a move that smells like strategy

The news came as a shock to fans: Lionel Messi will not be playing in the Florida derby against Orlando City. Although there is talk of a minor muscle injury, everything points to this absence being part of a much more calculated plan by Javier Mascherano and the Inter Miami coaching staff.
The Argentine coach was clear:
“Leo is fine. Obviously, it would be crazy to take any risks by taking him to Orlando tomorrow, given everything that lies ahead. But we are very optimistic that he will be back with us soon.”

The injury that set off alarms

Messi's physical ordeal began on August 2 in the Leagues Cup against Necaxa, where he asked to be substituted early on. The official diagnosis: a minor muscle injury in his right leg.
Since then, he has missed the match against Pumas UNAM, where Inter Miami won 3-1 and sealed their place in the quarterfinals to face Tigres UANL.

Tigres: the real target

Mascherano left no doubt about the magnitude of the challenge:

“Tigres is a great team. They proved it last night against Puebla (a 7-0 win). They have top-class players who always fight for important things in their league and also internationally.”

Therefore, rather than a worrying setback, Messi's absence against Orlando could be the first step in a masterstroke to ensure the team is in peak condition for the big challenge ahead.