Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano said he changed the game plan after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a red card against Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium, preventing Lionel Messi from coming off the bench as a substitute.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano insisted Lionel Messi was not injured after the Argentine superstar was held out of his second straight game.

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano said he is optimistic Lionel Messi could make the roster for the match against Charlotte FC on Sunday night at Chase Stadium, though added he was unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the star player.

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami’s final training session ahead of their match against Charlotte FC, with head coach Javier Mascherano addressing the likelihood of the star player suiting up. Inter Miami fans are eagerly awaiting Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch after the Argentine missed the first leg of the Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Cavalier SC.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has brushed aside Lionel Messi's absence from their Thursday night win against Cavalier as simple rest for the 37-year-old

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he chose to rest Lionel Messi against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday in an effort to prevent an injury to the Argentina star after he featured in three matches in seven days.

Inter Miami have enjoyed a remarkable run in 2025, remaining undefeated so far. However, Lionel Messi has missed the team's last two matches, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming clash with Charlotte FC.

Inter Miami is in talks over a deal for another young Argentine star in Baltasar Rodriguez, who has caught the eye with his performances for Racing Club in his homeland.