The Reason Why Lionel Messi Did Not Play This Weekend for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s latest MLS match surprised many fans. The coaching staff later revealed the real reason behind the decision.
Messi’s absence surprised Inter Miami fans
Inter Miami played to a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC at the Bank of America Stadium in an MLS match that drew attention for one major reason: the absence of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine star was not only left out of the starting lineup but did not even travel with the squad to North Carolina, raising questions among fans and media about the decision.
Mascherano rotated his squad
Head coach Javier Mascherano opted to rotate several players in the lineup, choosing to manage the workload of key figures during a demanding stretch of the season.
Messi’s most recent appearance for Inter Miami came just a few days earlier in the 0-0 draw against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, a crucial international fixture for the club.
The coaching staff explains the decision
Mascherano was unable to speak to the media after the match due to a red card he received late in the game. Instead, assistant coach Javier Morales addressed the press and clarified the situation surrounding Messi.
Morales confirmed that the Argentine captain is physically fine, but the staff decided to give him a rest because of the demanding schedule. “We have important matches ahead, especially on Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup. We’ve been playing Wednesday and Saturday, so we felt this was the best decision,” he explained.
Concacaf match now the main focus
Inter Miami’s attention is now fully focused on the second leg against Nashville SC, a decisive match that will determine whether the team advances in the continental competition.
The game will be played in Miami, where the club expects to have Lionel Messi available and fully rested as they aim to secure a place in the next round.
Despite playing without their biggest star, Inter Miami managed to earn a point on the road against Charlotte, staying near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference while carefully managing the workload of their key players.
