Lionel Messi is day-to-day with fatigue, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. The Argentine star missed his second straight match but is not injured. With a packed schedule, including MLS games and Argentina's World Cup qualifiers, his return remains uncertain as Miami prioritizes his fitness for the season.
Lionel Messi is being monitored on a day-to-day basis due to fatigue, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Thursday. The Argentine star was absent for a second consecutive match as a precaution, watching from an on-field suite as Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Despite concerns, Mascherano emphasized that Messi is not injured but is managing the physical toll of an intense schedule. The 36-year-old forward played three matches within six days between February 19-26 and has featured in eight games since mid-January, including several preseason fixtures across multiple countries.
Mascherano did not confirm whether Messi would return for Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS match against Charlotte FC on Sunday or the second leg against Cavalier FC next Thursday. However, with a sold-out crowd of 35,000 expected in Jamaica for that clash, his availability remains a major talking point.
Beyond club duties, Messi is set to rejoin Argentina for two crucial World Cup qualifiers later this month—against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. His packed schedule also includes MLS fixtures against Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union before the end of March.
While Messi’s absence is a setback, Inter Miami is prioritizing his long-term fitness. As Mascherano put it, "We understand the risk of resting him, but we also know the value of keeping him fresh for the season ahead."
