Messi’s Status Uncertain as Inter Miami Faces Atlanta United in MLS Showdown

Lionel Messi’s availability remains a question mark as Inter Miami prepares to face Atlanta United in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) clash tonight at 7 p.m. ET. The match, broadcast nationally on Apple TV’s Sunday Night Soccer, presents a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup playoffs first-round encounter where Atlanta United eliminated Inter Miami, the Supporters’ Shield winners of that season.

While Messi has traveled with the Inter Miami squad to Atlanta, his potential role in the Eastern Conference showdown is uncertain. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has been cautious regarding Messi’s workload, carefully managing his playing time to prevent any potential injuries. The recent three-game layoff Messi experienced was a deliberate strategy aimed at allowing him to recover and avoid any further strain.

Mascherano explained that the club’s medical and coaching staff carefully monitored Messi’s physical condition, ensuring that the workload he had been undertaking didn’t escalate into a more serious issue. He noted that the plan was to provide Messi with around 30-35 minutes of playing time in the second half of their Concacaf Champions Cup game against Jamaica’s Cavalier FC last Thursday. This was designed to allow him to regain his match fitness and confidence.

“The idea was that he play 30-35 minutes in Jamaica to have good feelings again. In the end, we were able to find the time to do it well,” Mascherano stated on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of addressing any potential overload Messi was experiencing. “We tried to take away from the overload Messi had, so that it wouldn’t go further than that. We tried to handle it in the best way. Luckily, we were able to control it and it didn’t turn into an injury or much more. … He’s better and we decided to start giving him minutes. There’s no secret in this.”

The match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United can be watched on Apple TV+ or via MLS Season Pass. Soccer fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of whether Messi will feature in the starting lineup or come off the bench. An official announcement regarding Inter Miami’s starting eleven is expected approximately one hour before the match commences.

Messi’s recent appearance in the Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cavalier FC offered a glimmer of hope for Inter Miami supporters. He entered the match in the 53rd minute to a rousing ovation from the Jamaican fans. His presence on the field immediately injected energy into Inter Miami’s attack. Capping off his performance, he scored a stunning goal in the final minute of the game. His run behind the Cavalier defense, followed by an exquisite chip shot over the goalkeeper, highlighted his exceptional talent and helped Inter Miami secure a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory.

The goal was Messi’s first since February 25, when he played a key role in Inter Miami’s victory over Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Champions Cup. Following that match, Messi was rested for the subsequent MLS game, a 4-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo on March 2. He also missed the first leg of their Champions Cup tie against Cavalier FC on March 6. Despite being expected to make a substitute appearance in Inter Miami’s 1-0 win against Charlotte on March 9, the coaching staff opted not to risk him, especially after the team was reduced to 10 players due to an early red card.

The series of matches that Messi played from February 19-25, along with the eight matches in the 40-day period from January 18 to February 14, including five preseason games, were seen as a contributing factor to the workload that required careful management.

Following the match against Atlanta United, Messi is scheduled to join the Argentine national team for two highly anticipated international fixtures. Argentina will travel to face Uruguay on March 21, followed by a home game against archrivals Brazil on March 25.

Upon his return from international duty, Messi will rejoin Inter Miami for the continuation of their MLS season. Inter Miami will host the Philadelphia Union on March 29, resuming their quest for MLS glory. The schedule remains intense for Inter Miami, with a quarterfinal matchup against LAFC in the Champions Cup looming. The first leg will be played in Los Angeles on April 2, followed by a regular-season match against Toronto FC on April 6. The second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinal will be played at home against LAFC on April 9.

The upcoming schedule highlights the importance of managing Messi’s playing time effectively. Mascherano and his coaching staff are tasked with ensuring that Messi is both fit and available for the crucial matches ahead, while also preventing any risk of injury.

The game against Atlanta United is not just another regular season match. It offers Inter Miami an opportunity to avenge last year’s playoff defeat and demonstrate their progress since adding players to the roster. The potential presence of Messi, whether from the start or as a substitute, elevates the significance of the contest. Regardless of his role, Messi’s mere presence on the field generates excitement and anticipation among fans. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams vying for a crucial victory in the Eastern Conference standings.

The key question that remains is how much of an impact will Messi have on the match. While he’s been training with the team and appeared to have regained his match fitness after scoring the goal against Cavalier FC, the Inter Miami coaching staff will undoubtedly take a measured approach, prioritizing his long-term health and well-being. A decision regarding Messi’s involvement will likely be made close to kickoff, ensuring the team balances the need for his talent on the field with the importance of preserving his fitness for the rest of the season. The fans watching on Apple TV+ will be hoping to see him play a significant role in what promises to be a compelling MLS match.