Inter Miami will have a difficult game against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday because Lionel Messi did not travel with the team, according to reports. There is no injury concern, but Messi needs to rest due to Inter Miami’s packed schedule of Champions Cup and league games. Messi has played 249 minutes for Inter Miami in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists, maintaining his form from last season when he was named league MVP.
‘Leo is fine. He is OK. He will train normally like the rest of his teammates,’ Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said about Messi’s fitness, according to reports.
Ahead of their Champions Cup round of 16 game in Jamaica against Caviler SC on Thursday, it makes sense for Messi to rest for this match, which Miami should be able to win without him. This also increases the chances of Messi staying healthy for the entire season, unlike last season. There is currently no risk of Messi missing Miami’s Champions Cup game, but coach Mascherano will have to make tough decisions about when to rest his players.
Tomas Aviles will also miss this match due to a red card suspension from Miami’s season-opening draw against New York City FC, and there may be more player rotation for the Houston game. These opportunities to rotate players will become less frequent as the season progresses and other competitions like the Leagues Cup and the Club World Cup begin, so taking advantage of them now is important.
Miami can use this game to see if another player can step up in Messi’s absence. There are signs that new signings Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende can help make up for the lack of attack. Houston fans who were hoping to see Messi will be disappointed, but in the past, teams like the Chicago Fire have offered vouchers if Messi missed games in their city.
While not required, these gestures of goodwill are important for keeping good fan relations. Ticket prices go up when Messi is in town, and fans travel long distances to see him. Of course, other stars like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez may still play, but no one attracts fans like Messi.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, March 2 |
- Location: Shell Energy Stadium — Houston, Texas
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Houston Dynamo +140; Draw +270; Inter Miami +170
