Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami bagged a 2-1 win against New England Revolution in the Major League Soccer on July 9, at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
The Argentine icon scored a brace in the match, bringing the Herons’ second victory in the league since their elimination from the Club World Cup last month. Inter Miami suffered a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.
Inter Miami were pitted against CF Montreal on June 5 in their first match back from the Club World Cup, where Messi also scored two goals, along with providing an assist in the game that ended in a 4-1 win for the Herons.
While Messi’s form and contributions on the pitch remain excellent, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has suggested that they ‘need to find the right moment’ to provide the 38-year-old some rest.
What did Inter Miami boss say about Lionel Messi?
Several reports suggested uncertainties about Messi’s availability against New England Revolution prior to the clash. During his post-match press conference, Mascherano admitted that he initially planned on resting Messi for the match, and said,
“Our initial plan was to give him some rest tonight. But once New England scored, we felt the pressure and decided to keep him on. In the next few matches, we need to find the right moment to let him rest,” as per GOAL.
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The Argentine manager then mentioned that while Messi was supposed to feature in the clash, he hoped to get a chance in between that would have made space for rotation.
Mascherano highlighted the importance of Messi receiving a break in between the busy match schedule and added,
“We were clear that Leo would play, but we were hoping the game would give us a window to rest him. Once New England scored, we felt it was better to keep him on the pitch. Still, at some point, we need to give him a break.”
Messi have made 15 appearances in the MLS so far this season. The last time he was given a rest was in Inter Miami’s clash against FC Dallas on April 27.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has featured for the full 90 minutes in 17 consecutive matches across competitions for Inter Miami.
Messi & Co. are headed to face Nashville SC in their next MLS match on July 12 at Chase Stadium.
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