Lionel Messi given extended rest period by Inter Miami ahead of MLS clash with Atlanta United

Lionel Messi was absent for Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against Atlanta United on Saturday. The 36-year-old has made a brilliant start to life in the United States with 11 goals in 11 appearances so far.

But Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is keen to manage Messi’s fitness during the season to ensure that the Argentine does not pick up any injuries.

Managing Messi’s Fitness

‘We will be careful with him because we have a lot of important games in a short span,’ Martino said before the game. ‘But the idea is to not get Leo or any other player injured.’

Martino confirmed before the his side’s game against Atlanta that Messi is not carrying an injury, which indicated that he has been given an extended rest period.

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Messi played nearly a full game and scored a sublime free kick in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador last week. He then travelled with Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia but did not play in the 3-0 win.

Messi had played 12 games in 48 days with his appearance for Argentina against Ecuador.

Conclusion

It is clear that Inter Miami are taking a cautious approach to managing Messi’s fitness and have given him an extended rest period. This will ensure that he is fit and ready for the next game and can continue to make an impact for the team.

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