Lionel Messi’s Argentina are due to defend their World Cup crown this summer but Inter Miami have their own objectives
Inter Miami have no intention of resting Lionel Messi in the build-up to the World Cup with boss Javier Mascherano admitting it would be “impossible” for the club to achieve their goals without him.
Although Messi has yet to confirm he will play for Argentina this summer, it is inconceivable to think the 38-year-old won’t captain his nation as they attempt to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.
Inter Miami have made a strong start to the defence of their MLS title with three wins from five games, including yesterday’s 3-2 victory at New York City, a game in which Messi scored and played the full 90 minutes.
Messi is comfortable playing – Mascherano
Mascherano believes Messi benefits from regular playing time although he says all decisions are taken in collaboration with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“We try to look after him as much as possible. We know that he is the kind of player who feels most comfortable when he is out on the pitch playing – and what that does to his body,” said Mascherano, himself a former Argentina international.
“Right now, he is heading off to join the national team. After his return, we will simply monitor how he is feeling day by day. Clearly, he is a vital player for us if we are to achieve our objectives. Quite frankly, without him, it would be impossible for us to reach the goals we have set for ourselves.
“That said, we also understand that he is reaching the final stretch [before the World Cup], but, as I’ve mentioned before – knowing him as I do, and given that many of the decisions we make regarding him are reached by mutual agreement – we have to keep the lines of communication open, constantly checking in on his physical sensations and how he is feeling.”
Cup elimination helps Messi
Messi’s schedule has been eased by Miami’s elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville. Their final game before the league pauses for the World Cup is on May 24 against Philadelphia and Mascherano sees no reason why he should not have a full squad to choose from until that date.
“I don’t believe we have many midweek fixtures scheduled over the next two months,” Mascherano said. “There are only two or three weeks where we won’t have a game during the week. Otherwise, it will be a schedule of one match per week. Therefore, any time we are able to count on his [Messi’s] participation, it is a welcome boost for the team.”
Messi has joined up with the Argentina squad ahead of their international friendlies with Mauritania and Zambia.
The South American champions were due to take part in the Finalissima against Euro 2024 winners Spain on Friday but the game, which was to be staged in Qatar, was cancelled due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
