Inter Miami’s selection dilemma – Lionel Messi resting vs. Luis Suarez playing: Why Javier Mascherano treats ex-Barcelona duo unequally in MLS
Inter Miami’s decision to rest Lionel Messi while Luis Suarez continues to play has raised eyebrows among fans. With both players being Barcelona legends and nearing the latter stages of their careers, the club’s contrasting approach to their playing time has sparked plenty of debate.
While Messi has been sidelined for three consecutive games, including the recent 1-0 victory over Charlotte, Suarez has continued to feature prominently, playing a key role in his side’s success. The reasoning behind this difference in treatment has now been explained, shedding light on why the two stars are being handled in distinct ways.
The Herons’ latest win marked their third consecutive victory without Messi in the lineup. Despite the 37-year-old’s absence, head coach Javier Mascherano had initially planned to bring him off the bench. However, after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was sent off in the first half, the coach decided against taking the risk. “We had considered giving Leo minutes, but under the conditions of the game, it was prudent to preserve him,” the manager told reporters.
With Inter Miami leading 2-0 from the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier, there is speculation that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could return in the upcoming fixture. However, with crucial international matches against Uruguay and Brazil later in March, the club is taking a cautious approach to his fitness.
Why Suarez plays while Messi rests
One of the biggest talking points in Miami’s squad rotation has been the continued presence of Suarez despite Messi being rested. At 38 years old, Suarez is even older than Messi and has a long history of knee problems, requiring extensive preparation just to get on the field.
Yet, he has played in 85% of Miami’s minutes this season, including 60 minutes in the win against Charlotte—where he provided a crucial assist. So why is Messi being managed so carefully while Suarez continues to play regularly?
Mascherano has downplayed concerns over Messi’s fitness, but reports suggest that the Argentine has been dealing with muscle cramps and spasms since his first few appearances this season. Unlike Suarez, whose issues are joint-related, Messi’s problems are soft-tissue based, meaning he is more prone to injuries if not properly managed.
Former Premier League defender Danny Higginbotham, now an MLS pundit, explained that the difference in playing styles also plays a role in how they are treated. “It’s two completely different players,” Higginbotham told Apple TV. “I go back to my football career… Some players could rest for a few weeks and come back fresh. But I was a player who had to play week in, week out. Because if I missed one game, it took me three games to get back going again.”
“I look at Suarez like that. I think Suarez is the type of player, you just keep playing him. Because if you rest him, if you stop him, it’s going to take him a long time to get back into the rhythm of things.”
Stats prove the difference
Higginbotham’s theory is supported by Suarez’s performances, as the Uruguayan has struggled to score after returning from long layoffs. For instance, he failed to score in his first three MLS matches of 2024, and after Copa America last summer, he endured a goal drought upon his return. However, his form improved once he played regularly, contributing in each of Miami’s last four games.
In contrast, Messi tends to hit the ground running after absences. He scored in his first game for Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup, found the net immediately after a two-month injury layoff last September, and despite harsh weather conditions, he scored in his first game of 2025 against Sporting Kansas City. This contrast suggests that the Argentine veteran does not need as much playing time to stay sharp, while Suarez requires constant rhythm to maintain his form.