Inter Miami coach Javi Morales has hinted that Lionel Messi could miss tonight’s MLS clash against CF Montreal through injury.
The Argentine international picked up a knock in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Nashville in the Champions Cup, a game in which Messi played every minute.
With Luis Suarez also in a similar boat, there’s a good chance that both Messi and the Uruguay international will be rested later today against Montreal having played so much soccer this season.
Lionel Messi a potential injury doubt for Inter Miami vs CF Montreal
And speaking to the Miami Herald, assistant coach Morales revealed that the decision to play Messi has not been confirmed yet, with speculation now spreading that the forward might not feature today.
Given how much Messi has played already this season, giving the 36-year-old a night off might be worth it in the long run for Inter Miami, who can’t afford to lose their star player to injury.
Morales said when asked if Messi will play later today against Montreal: “The knock on Leo was just a knock, a hard tackle, but he is fine, he finished the game fine, so that is not a factor.
“It’s something we haven’t decided yet because we arrived from the Nashville game late and the team was off [Friday]. We have to see how the players are, especially the ones who played the most minutes and then we will make a decision after practice and we will see who is healthy and ready to play Sunday.”
Inter Miami have to be brave to rest key players
Given the immense stature of Messi’s reputation, there will always be a commercial incentive from Inter Miami to play their star forward no matter the occasion.
Yet the club need to realize that Messi is only human and needs rest if he is to continue the rest of the season fit and firing on all cylinders.
And games like tonight and home against an opponent Inter Miami can beat without Messi are the perfect opportunity for the Herons to rest the Argentine international, who needs time to recover for upcoming games.