Lionel Messi rested? Inter Miami drop shock update on superstar ahead of MLS clash with Montreal

Posted Sunday, March 10, 2024 by Goal.com

Inter Miami may decide to rest star player Lionel Messi for their MLS clash against on Sunday, assistant coach Javi Morales has said.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi has played every minute of the Florida club's four competitive matches across MLS and the Champions Cup so far this season. With his team coming up against Canadian side Montreal just days after their midweek draw against Nashville, coach Tata Martino could opt to rest him.

WHAT JAVI MORALES SAID
Assistant boss Morales says, as reported by Jose Armando, that the Miami club are yet to make a decision on whether or not Messi will be involved in Sunday's game, adding that they will have a talk with the World Cup winner before a call is made.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Herons head coach Martino said this week that he is worried about the 36-year-old suffering "significant wear and tear" amid their recent return to action. The captain has already scored four goals in as many games since the new season started in late February.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Having won two and drawn one of their three MLS matches so far, Inter Miami will aim to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host Montreal. Should Messi miss this weekend's clash, the Argentine will likely return to the fold for the second leg of their Champions Cup last-16 tie against Nashville next week.