Inter Miami: Javier Mascherano gives key update on Lionel Messi ahead of Concacaf Champions Cup clash

Lionel Messi did not participate in Inter Miami‘s MLS match against the Houston Dynamo on March 2, Javier Mascherano gave an update on the star’s health status ahead of the match against Cavalier FC for the Concacaf Champions Cup.

“Leo has not had any injuries. As the matches progressed, he felt fatigue and had some overload,” Mascherano confirmed to the press. “That’s why we decided he wouldn’t go to Houston. We’ve already had some injuries, and we don’t want such an important player to end up being out for a month because we didn’t give him some rest.”

Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami secured a 4-1 victory over the Dynamo. The match at Shell Energy Stadium was sold out, with 20,810 attendees, many of whom were unaware of Messi’s absence until arriving at the venue. In response to fan disappointment, the Dynamo offered attendees a complimentary ticket to a future home game.

On Thursday, March 5, Miami is set to play Cavalier FC for the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup at the Chase Stadium. In the competition, Miami are coming from defeating Sporting KC (4-1 on aggregate) in the last round.

Lionel Messi leaving the pitch during Miami’s match against Sporting KC (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Before his absence against Dynamo, Messi had played in all eight of Inter Miami’s matches in 2025, including their 2-2 tie against NYCFC. After Cavalier FC’s match, Miami will host Charlotte on Sunday, March 9th.

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Lionel Messi addresses his Inter Miami future amid growing rumors about his return to FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi’s stats at the start of the season

After the official start of the season, Messi has played 3 matches for Inter Miami in the 2025 season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. The 37-year-old star might be in the twilight of his career, but his competitive spirit is still there.

In a recent interview with Apple Music, Messi admitted that he wants to win more with Miami. “I always wanted this move. Inter Miami attracted me as the club is growing, developing… I wanted to come here to help the club become bigger, also giving the MLS more power as a global brand.”

As Miami prepares for a long season with several major competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup in June, Messi’s health will be key to the team’s ambitions—though they proved last year they can win even without their biggest star.