Messi’s Status Uncertain as Fatigue Sidelines Inter Miami Star
Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer and reigning World Cup champion, is currently listed as day-to-day, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. This announcement came after Messi missed his second consecutive game, a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cavalier FC, due to reported fatigue. The news has left fans and pundits alike wondering about the extent of his condition and when they can expect to see the celebrated player back on the pitch.
Messi was present at Chase Stadium to witness Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC in the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions Cup encounter. He watched the game from an on-field suite alongside his wife and children, a clear indication of his commitment to the team despite his inability to participate actively.
Coach Mascherano emphasized that Messi is not suffering from any specific injury. Instead, the decision to rest him stems from the cumulative effect of a demanding schedule that has seen him log significant playing time in recent weeks. This is particularly notable considering the start of the 2025 season and the already packed schedule Messi has had in the lead-up.
Specifically, Mascherano highlighted a particularly grueling stretch where Messi played predominantly in three matches over a mere six-day period, from February 19th to February 26th. Furthermore, he played in eight matches within a 40-day window spanning from January 18th to February 14th. This period included five pre-season matches held in various locations, including Las Vegas, Peru, Panama, Honduras, and Tampa, Florida. The extensive travel and competitive nature of these games have undoubtedly contributed to Messi’s current state of fatigue.
"We decided to give him a rest, knowing the risks we run, obviously, of not having the best player in the world," Mascherano explained following the game against Cavalier FC, the current champions of the Jamaican Premier League. The coach’s statement underscores the delicate balance between prioritizing Messi’s long-term health and the team’s immediate need for his exceptional skills on the field. While his absence is undeniably a setback, the coaching staff clearly believes that preventing potential injury and allowing him to recover fully is the more prudent course of action.
While Mascherano confirmed that Messi is fatigued due to the excessive playing time, he remained tight-lipped regarding his availability for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches. Specifically, he declined to confirm whether Messi would feature in their next game, a home fixture against Charlotte FC scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. He also offered no definitive answer regarding his participation in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Cavalier FC next Thursday.
The second leg against Cavalier is scheduled to be held at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The game is expected to draw a capacity crowd of 35,000, many of whom are eagerly hoping to witness Messi’s brilliance firsthand. The potential for a sold-out stadium anticipating his presence further complicates the decision-making process for Mascherano and the Inter Miami medical team.
"Day-to-day," Mascherano reiterated when questioned about Messi’s status for Inter Miami’s next two matches, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his availability. This cautious approach suggests that the team is carefully monitoring Messi’s condition and will make a decision based on his progress in the coming days.
"The doctors have told me that he has no injury… He is fatigued from having played three games in six days," Mascherano further clarified, emphasizing the medical team’s assessment and the underlying cause of Messi’s absence. This statement aims to reassure fans that there is no serious underlying problem, and that the rest period is primarily preventative in nature.
Looking beyond the immediate Champions Cup tie, Inter Miami faces a challenging away game against Atlanta United on March 16th. This match is a rematch of last season’s first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs, which saw Messi and his side surprisingly lose. This adds another layer of significance to the game, as Inter Miami will undoubtedly be seeking revenge for their previous defeat.
Furthermore, Messi is also anticipated to join the Argentine national team for two crucial World Cup qualifying matches later this month. Argentina is scheduled to visit Uruguay on March 21st and then host Brazil on June 25th. These matches are of paramount importance for Argentina’s World Cup qualification campaign, and Messi’s participation is highly anticipated by the nation’s passionate football fans.
The combination of club commitments with Inter Miami and international duties with Argentina creates a demanding schedule for Messi. This highlights the importance of carefully managing his workload and ensuring he receives adequate rest to avoid potential injuries and maintain his peak performance level.
In summary, Messi’s current situation is a complex one, involving a delicate balance between his physical condition, Inter Miami’s competitive ambitions, and his international obligations with Argentina. The phrase "day-to-day" encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future, with the coaching and medical staff meticulously monitoring his progress and making decisions in the best interests of the player and the team. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining Messi’s availability and his ability to contribute to both Inter Miami and Argentina’s success.
