Inter Miami search for Lionel Messi replacement

 In the last two matches, both in MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Inter Miami have has opted to rest Lionel Messi. According to head coach Javier Mascherano, the former Barcelona icon is not injured, with his absences a precaution to protect their leading star.

This isn’t new for The Herons. Last season, under Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the club also rested Messi at times, especially before the Copa América, to ensure he was in peak condition, often for international games.

Now, with 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay coming up, Messi again appears to be taking extra care to be fully fit for Argentina, prompting Inter Miami to explore different strategies.

“I follow what the doctors say, and he has fatigue; we also need to learn to play without him,” Mascherano emphasized after the match against Cavalier.

Mascherano hinted that Inter Miami is beginning to prepare for a future without Messi, something that, while distant, is starting to take shape.

When will Messi play next for Inter Miami?

In the match against Cavalier and other upcoming games, Inter Miami are again preparing to be without Messi. Sunday’s MLS clash against Charlotte FC is another match in which the Garzas captain isn’t expected to feature

Their 2-0 home victory over Cavalier in the first leg in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 means the Floridians are in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals, so Messi could also sit out the return leg in Jamaica on March 13.

Three days later, Inter Miami travel to Atlanta United in their last game before the international break. Another potential opportunity for the 37-year-old to rest ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

After Argentina’s games against Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 25), The Herons are next in action at home to Philadelphia Union on March 29.

Expect more Messi rest in busy Inter Miami schedule

Inter Miami faces a busy schedule, with up to 41 matches from now until October, including the regular MLS season, Leagues Cup, Club World Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.

They will therefore need to carefully assess the importance of each game and decide when to rest their star player, who also has key matches with his national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.