Lionel Messi missed his second consecutive game for Inter Miami as the club prioritises his long-term fitness amid a demanding schedule and upcoming Argentina World Cup qualifiers.
Florida: Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 first-leg match against Cavalier FC, marking his second consecutive missed game after sitting out the MLS clash against Houston Dynamo earlier this week.
The 37-year-old star forward missed his second consecutive game after sitting out an MLS match at Houston on Sunday. Despite participating in training, Messi was not included in the match squad. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano clarified that the decision was not due to an injury but rather fatigue management and muscle overload concerns.
“He hasn’t had any injuries, but as the games have gone on, he’s felt tired and overloaded. That’s why we decided he wouldn’t go to Houston, because he’s had some injuries before, and we don’t want to risk him being out for a month by not giving him rest,” Mascherano explained.
Strategic rest amid a packed schedule
Inter Miami faces a gruelling four matches in 11 days, including the return leg against Cavalier in Jamaica and a league fixture against Charlotte FC. With this packed schedule, the club is ensuring Messi is in peak condition for the key matches ahead.
Focus on Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers?
Messi’s absence has also fuelled speculation about his availability for Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers later this month. Argentina is set to face Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. Given his national team commitments, Messi’s return to Inter Miami’s line-up may be delayed until after the international break.
Inter Miami’s performance without Messi
Despite missing their captain, Inter Miami remains unbeaten this season. The club advanced to the Champions Cup Round of 16 after a dominant 4-1 aggregate win over Sporting KC, while Cavalier FC entered this stage by winning the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup last year.
Inter Miami fans will be eagerly waiting for updates on Messi’s availability, but for now, the team continues its campaign without their biggest star on the pitch.
