Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s 4-1 away game against Houston Dynamo FC on March 3 in the second round of the MLS continued to cause fierce controversy, forcing coach Mascherano to speak out to explain himself.

“I said it before and I say it again, Messi is not injured, but he is tired and overworked. He got injured at this stage last year and we want to avoid that. That is why we are being careful. I have not yet defined the squad for the next match, we will see who is fit to play,” emphasized coach Mascherano in a press conference prior to Inter Miami’s match against Cavalier SC (Jamaica) in the first leg of the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which will be played at 8:00 am on March 7.

Previously, the American press continuously criticized coach Mascherano’s decision to rest Messi for the match against Houston Dynamo FC, which led to fans being disappointed and the team having to pay for free tickets to another match at the club’s home stadium in the MLS (American professional soccer league) this season.

Some American media sources also said that Messi will consider playing away from home in the 2025 season, the Argentine star only chooses favorable matches to play. Otherwise, he will focus on playing home games to avoid overload.

In addition, this season Inter Miami is participating in 5 major tournaments, including the MLS, the MLS Cup playoffs, cup competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Leagues Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi is focused on playing and helping Inter Miami go as far as possible in cup competitions, with the goal of winning 1 or 2 championships. Therefore, this famous player is very careful with his physical condition and fitness. In addition, he also returned to the Argentine national team to complete their place in the 2026 World Cup and consider plans to compete in the world’s biggest tournament next year.

However, Messi’s calculations, in the short term, could put fans of clubs that face Inter Miami in their home stadium this season in MLS at a disadvantage, because they will not be sure of being able to see their idol play or not.

According to Marca (Spain): “Ticket prices always rise sharply for away games featuring Messi due to the crowd appeal. However, with current forecasts, fans will have to consider whether to buy tickets at high prices or not, while no one is sure whether this famous player will come to play, as in the case of Houston Dynamo FC.”

Meanwhile, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has once again fined an Inter Miami player for violating league rules by touching an opponent’s face, head or neck with his hands. The latest player to receive a penalty was Jordi Alba in the match against Houston Dynamo FC. Previously, Messi and Suarez were also punished in a similar manner in the 2-2 draw with New York City FC.