Lionel Messi played 60 minutes against Honduran side Olimpico Metropolitano last weekend. The Argentine scored a goal and was instrumental in Inter Miami’s attack before being taken off in the second half.

Mascherano has special praise for Lionel Messi

And coach Javier Mascherano has praised Messi for maintaining his high level and competitiveness in the final stages of his career.

“I see Leo as he always has been. I don’t know any version of Leo that hasn’t been exceptional. Years go by and he continues to surprise with his level and his desire to compete.”

Lionel Messi has played in all four pre-season games for Inter Miami, playing for around 60 or 70 minutes before leaving the pitch.

Mascherano insists that Messi’s playing time in pre-season is not an indication of his playing time for the season. He simply wants Messi to be fully fit and injury-free before the MLS season begins on February 18.

“It’s pre-season. We want to make sure the players are fit because they’re coming back from two months out of action and we don’t want to take any risks. Not just Leo, but the others are not used to having such little time off.

In their 20-year careers, this is the first time they have met after a two-month break. It would be crazy to ask the players to fight at full strength straight away. It is not necessary. But when the season starts, everything will change. We just want the players to play a certain amount of time. We want to go into the last friendly against Orlando in the best condition.”