Lionel Messi reportedly needed the break urgently, according to coach Javier Mascherano, and may soon play alongside Rodrigo De Paul.
No Lionel Messi, no problem? For a recent MLS game, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano had to do without the Argentine world champion due to a suspension – and that was “good” for his team, the 41-year-old said before Inter’s Leagues Cup opening game against Atlas Guadalajara from Mexico on Thursday night (1.30 am CEST): “The truth is that we had to give him a break.”
Messi and teammate Jordi Alba had been suspended by the league after not traveling to the All-Star Game in Texas at short notice. The enforced break was urgently needed for Messi “after many consecutive games” “to start the new marathon of games,” Mascherano continued: “So he is now a bit more rested.”
Messi and Alba are ready again
Messi, 38, watched the 0-0 draw against league leaders FC Cincinnati from the stands after playing five games over 90 minutes within 14 days. He and Alba would be ready again for the game against Guadalajara, Mascherano said, joking: “If they don’t suspend them.”
Messi’s Argentine national teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who has been loaned to Miami from Atlético Madrid until the end of the year, is still waiting for his visa, according to Mascherano. “If he is released, he will be in the squad,” said Mascherano: “That is clear.”