Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi will not participate in his team’s match against DC United on Sunday morning in the American League.
The Flea has just returned from a muscle injury and quickly made an impact in the last two matches, but according to Mascherano, he decided to exclude him from the DC United match due to concerns about fatigue.
“Leo will get some rest for his own good, and for the importance of Wednesday,” Mascherano said.
Inter Miami is preparing to face Orlando City on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup semifinals, days after defeating Mexico’s Tigres in the quarterfinals.
Given Inter Miami’s strong position in the American League, Mascherano believes resting Messi for the Orlando City match is the best option. He will also do the same with another star, Jordi Alba, who has not yet fully recovered from his injury.
Inter Miami is ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference of the American League with 45 points from 24 matches (it has 3 postponed matches), while Cincinnati is at the top of the standings with 52 points from 27 matches.
