Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has sparked controversy with candid remarks about Lionel Messi’s grueling schedule, hinting at a deeper issue within the club as the Argentine superstar faces mounting pressure to perform despite a recent injury scare. With the MLS All-Star Game looming, Mascherano’s comments have raised eyebrows, suggesting that the legendary forward’s well-being might be taking a backseat to the demands of a packed calendar.
At 38, Lionel Messi continues to dazzle, defying age with a staggering 16 goals in 17 MLS appearances this season, trailing only Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge in the race for the golden boot. Fresh off a relentless campaign that included a FIFA Club World Cup exit against Paris Saint-Germain, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now earned a second consecutive MLS All-Star nod. However, with the Leagues Cup on the horizon and a demanding slate of matches ahead, questions swirl about whether the Barcelona icon will suit up for the All-Star Game against Liga MX’s finest in Austin on July 23.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Inter Miami’s clash with the New York Red Bulls, Mascherano didn’t hold back. “The players are called up, and I would like them to be able to rest, but it’s not my decision,” he revealed, per Jose Armando. His words hint at a potential rift with the club’s management, as he added, “I know how important the All-Star is, and as far as I know, there’s no decision from the club, everything’s normal.” The comment raises a shocking question: is Inter Miami prioritizing spectacle over the health of their greatest asset?
Messi isn’t the only Heron headed to the All-Star festivities. Left back Jordi Alba, 36, who recently inked a contract extension with Miami, will join the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge alongside stars like Diego Luna, Evander, Clint Dempsey, and Lindsey Heaps. But with the team reeling from a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of FC Cincinnati—snapping a six-game unbeaten streak and halting Messi’s jaw-dropping run of five consecutive braces—the focus remains on how Mascherano will manage his injury-plagued squad.
The Cincinnati loss exposed cracks in Miami’s armor, with Mascherano admitting his team lacked freshness. “We were on a good run, and the fact of losing affects morale, but there’s not much time to dwell on it,” he said. “Yesterday they recovered, we didn’t do anything.” The coach’s blunt assessment points to a deeper issue: an overstretched roster battling fatigue and injuries. The latest blow came with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s hamstring injury against Cincinnati, forcing loanee Rocco Rios Novo into the spotlight while USMNT star Drake Callender remains sidelined.
Messi, meanwhile, dodged a bullet after an injury scare in the Cincinnati match. Mascherano offered cautious optimism about his talisman’s availability for the Red Bulls showdown at Sports Illustrated Stadium, stating, “We’ll discuss it, if he feels good, he’ll likely start.” But with a grueling schedule and a roster stretched thin, fans are left wondering: is the club pushing Messi too far?
As Inter Miami prepares to rebound against the Red Bulls, Mascherano plans to inject fresh legs into the lineup, a necessity given the team’s lackluster showing in Ohio. With the All-Star Game and Leagues Cup adding to an already chaotic season, the spotlight is on Mascherano’s leadership—and whether he can protect his star player from burnout. For now, the soccer world watches with bated breath, as the “shocking truth” of Messi’s treatment threatens to overshadow his brilliance on the pitch.