While most leagues around the world are set to pause for the upcoming international friendlies, MLS teams will keep playing. Inter Miami will play MLS Western Conference’s 3rd-placed team LAFC on Sunday. Since his debut, Lionel Messi is already overworking due to Miami’s busy schedule. Additionally, Argentina will play Ecuador in their first 2026 World Cup qualifiers match on September 8. Even so, Miami coach Gerardo Martino said that he would play Messi and not rest him as this is a very important match.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino was asked if Lionel Messi would be rested in this match ahead of his international duties. He said during the pre-match press conference, “I don’t imagine in this very important match with the last champion that it is a match that Messi needs to rest up. The one we had to stop at was the Red Bulls team, he played 30 minutes, that’s how we did it this week and now tomorrow he’s going to play.”
He added, “In my opinion, LAFC is one of the best teams in the league, it is the last champion. Carlos [Vela] is a decisive player within the team structure and [Denis] Bouanga is also decisive, Illie is also decisive, they have a very solid central duo, and there is also a team that is supporting all the individualities, for us it will be a good measure and tomorrow’s game will be a great challenge.” Considering the two MLS matches Messi played, LAFC will be the toughest opponent.
Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami on 21st July this year. Since his debut, he has already played 10 matches within the duration of about one and a half months. Messi’s inclusion to the team totally changed their situation. Following his arrival, Inter Miami won all of their matches till their last MLS match against Nashville. He became their captain and led them to win their first-ever trophy as they won the Leagues Cup. He also led them to qualify for the US Open Cup final.
However, if Miami are to book a spot for the MLS playoffs to lift the league cup, then they will want to win all and every coming match. It’s tough to predict how they will fare without Messi in those matches. Coach Martino is hoping that they will still be able to win all matches without their ace in their ranks.
