Javier Mascherano speaks out on Lionel Messi rotation plans ahead of busy Inter Miami MLS schedule
Lionel Messi has been in top form for Inter Miami in recent matches, showcasing both elite play and peak fitness. With a demanding MLS schedule on the horizon, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano discussed his rotation strategy for managing the Argentine superstar.
After dealing with muscular injuries earlier in the 2025 season, Messi has regained fitness rapidly—once again defying expectations with his longevity. But with a congested fixture list ahead, Mascherano will need to strike a balance between keeping Messi healthy and maintaining the team’s momentum in the title race.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mascherano shared his approach: “When it comes to rotating Leo, we’ll evaluate what works best, always discussing it with him. It’s not just about rotating Leo, but also managing the workload of the older players due to the number of games.”
Mascherano also praised Messi’s current condition. “So far, he’s been feeling good. In fact, as you’ve seen this season, whenever he hasn’t been at his best or hasn’t felt 100%, we’ve rested him and taken care of him. As long as he’s doing well and we can keep managing him this way, we’ll continue like that,” he concluded.
Since early April, Messi has played the full 90 minutes in every Inter Miami game, only missing Matchday 10 against FC Dallas. Now in arguably his best stretch of the season, keeping Messi fit will be one of the club’s biggest challenges in the coming weeks.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Following their run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Inter Miami returned to MLS action in early July. But rather than easing back in, the South Florida club now faces a demanding slate—nine games in just one month.
With matches against CF Montreal and New England Revolution already in the books, the Herons face Nashville SC on Saturday, July 12, followed by FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 16, and the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, July 19. After a brief break, they return to play Cincinnati again on Saturday, July 26—capping a critical stretch for the club’s standings in the Eastern Conference.
Though MLS enters a short recess after that, Inter Miami won’t get much relief. Messi and company will jump straight into the Leagues Cup group stage, starting July 30 against Atlas, then facing Necaxa on August 2, and Pumas UNAM on August 6. With so many games in such a short period, it remains to be seen which fixtures Messi might sit out—or whether he’ll be available for all of them.