Revealed: Why Messi may be benched for his MLS debut

Despite the high price of admission for Lionel Messi’s MLS debut, the Argentine maestro might not be involved against the New York Red Bulls as hinted by Inter Miami manager Tata Martino.

Messi has featured in every Inter Miami game since making his debut as a substitute against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, playing in eight matches, including three games that went beyond 120 minutes in just over one month, and coach Martino has hinted that it might be time to give him a rest.

After Inter Miami’s victory over Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinal, Tata Martino suggested that the number of games and minutes played could start to take a negative toll on the players, saying, “Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit, and from today we will start to evaluate this – how do I face at least the next three games?”

“You also have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45 or 50 days.”

Martino’s words suggest that Messi and some of the Inter Miami regulars could be given a rest from the starting lineup against the New York Red Bulls in order to keep them fresh for other crucial fixtures.

Messi, who turned 36 years old in June, is a prime candidate for rest after playing nearly 750 minutes in total since his debut in late July, with the Argentine World Cup winner needing to recuperate between games.

The former Barcelona man has scored 10 goals and assisted three more in his time with Inter Miami, registering a goal contribution in all the matches he has played, and will certainly be missed by the side if he does start from the bench.