Inter Miami have no ‘secret formula’ for Lionel Messi conundrum as Argentine GOAT leads bid for historic MLS Cup triumph

Javier Mascherano admits that Inter Miami have no “secret formula” for the rest and rotation conundrum that Lionel Messi poses.

• Stacked schedule for Herons
• Would like to rest captain
• Unable to do so at present

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having carefully managed the Argentine’s workload at the start of the 2025 campaign, as he nursed muscle complaints, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has figured prominently during a hectic run of MLS and FIFA Club World Cup fixtures.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mascherano would, in an ideal world, like to take his talismanic captain out of the firing line occasionally – helping to keep him fresh for the business end of the season. He does, however, have little choice but to keep selecting his iconic No.10 at present.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi played 90 minutes again as Inter Miami suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Cincinnati last time out – with his historic run of scoring braces in five successive games coming to a shuddering halt.

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  WHAT MASCHERANO SAID

  Inter Miami have a number of other players carrying knocks at present, meaning that they cannot bench Messi, with Mascherano telling reporters: “We have to find a way to rest and still compete and win. There’s no secret formula for that. We’ll keep going from match to match trying to go out there with the best and healthiest team possible. Next will be to obtain those three points against New York and hopefully get more of our injured players healthy.”