After being ruled out of the Concachampions, what Mascherano said about Lionel Messi's fitness

Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, addressed Lionel Messi's physical condition after his absence in the Concachampions match against Cavalier from Jamaica. In a series of statements that have generated significant attention, Mascherano explained the reasons behind Messi's absence and emphasised his commitment to the player's physical well-being.

The Doctors' Report: No Injuries, Just Fatigue Mascherano was clear in stating that, according to the medical reports, Messi has no injuries or scars that would prevent him from playing. "I go by what the doctors say, and the doctors tell me that he has no injuries or scars," explained the Argentine coach. Instead of an injury, what Messi is suffering from is fatigue caused by an intense schedule, as in recent days, he played three matches in just six days, something Mascherano finds understandable given the demanding calendar.

The Focus on Rest and Recovery Despite the frustration that Messi's absence may cause for the team, Mascherano stressed that the priority is Messi's health and ensuring he is in peak condition. "He has fatigue from playing three matches in six days, and we just want to give him rest to relieve that fatigue," the coach added. For Mascherano, managing the physical load of a player of Messi's calibre is essential to ensure he can continue contributing to the team long-term without risking more significant injuries.

Inter Miami, a team that has undergone significant change with Messi's arrival, is not willing to jeopardise its star player's physical integrity, and Messi's rest fits into a broader physical management strategy to avoid overloading the player during a demanding season.

The Challenge of Playing Without Messi: A Step Forward for the Team Mascherano also reflected on the need for the team to adapt to situations like this, where Messi is unavailable. "We need to step up and learn to play without him," he stated. This comment highlights a reality that Inter Miami must face: while Messi has been a key figure in the team's recent success, an over-reliance on one player can be dangerous in the long term.

Mascherano further emphasised that the rest of the team must take on more responsibility and find ways to maintain their competitive level without Messi’s constant presence. Messi’s absence presents an opportunity for other players to step into leadership roles and demonstrate their ability to perform at the highest level.

Messi's Future at Inter Miami Although Messi’s rest is temporary, the situation highlights the importance of proper management of the health and physical condition of a 36-year-old player. As Messi continues to adapt to his new team and the demanding US league, similar decisions will likely be made to ensure he can maintain his performance while protecting his physical well-being.

Inter Miami and its coaching staff, led by Mascherano, are committed to looking after Messi’s health and the collective success of the team. With Messi’s absence in the Concachampions match, the team will need to prove its ability to adapt and continue competing without relying entirely on their star. However, with the proper support and management of his physical condition, Messi is likely to return to action soon, ready to continue shining in US football.