Messi out again! Inter Miami survives MLS clash, but concerns grow | OneFootball

Inter Miami picked up another three points in MLS with a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC, but the biggest news of the game was not the score, but the fact that Lionel Messi did not play. For the third game in a row, the Argentine No. 10 did not take to the field, despite being named in the squad.

The incident raises the question of whether Messi is indeed in good physical condition. Head coach Javier Mascherano explained it was precautionary, but the lack of minutes on the field is already causing concern among Inter Miami fans and even the Argentine national team, which has important World Cup Qualifiers to play.

If his absence was already raising eyebrows, the way Inter Miami won is not confidence-inspiring either. With a player down since the first half, the team had to hold on after Tadeo Allende's goal in the early stages of the second half. It was a win that was achieved more through grit than technical excellence, something that is contrary to the hype created around the club's project.

Messi on the bench and a silence that speaks volumes

Since his arrival at Inter Miami, Messi has been the team's center of attention. Every minute he spends on the sidelines generates a torrent of speculation. Against Charlotte, holding him back on the bench until the very end, even when winning, makes headlines.

Mascherano tried to make sense of: "We did consider bringing him on for ten minutes, but given the state of the game and after he had been missing out for such a long period of time, we thought best to leave him out and not take the gamble at that stage."

Further, there is skepticism regarding his more recent past as well. Messi has featured only in three of the six official Inter Miami games this season. He missed out on the 4-1 victory against Houston Dynamo in MLS and the 2-0 win against Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Inter Miami fans are already wondering if this "muscle fatigue" Mascherano is referring to is actually hiding something more serious. And for Argentinians, already looking forward to the World Cup Qualifier clashes with Uruguay and Brazil, there is reason to worry as well.

Inter Miami emerges victorious, but soccer is relegated to the backseat

Despite the absence of Messi, Inter Miami still emerged victorious, but at no point was the match smooth. The club was forced to play more than a half with a man down after goalkeeper Óscar Ustari was red-carded in the 38th minute of the first half.

The winning goal came just a minute into the second half when Tadeo Allende found the net. From then on, Inter Miami’s mission was simply to hold onto the result.

Mascherano reacted with a defensive approach, substituting all the forwards and strengthening the defense. The strategy worked, but it showed that the team has not yet found offense without Messi. Without him, creativity decreases, and Inter Miami relies more on teamwork than on individual talent.

If it is the desire of the club to battle for the titles, all such dependence must be reduced to the barest minimum. Messi is already 36 and can't play every match alone.

Argentina is on red alert

The entire Argentina holds its breath for this one. With fixtures against Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 25) on the horizon, Messi is called upon now.

Mascherano confirmed that there is no injury: "Messi has not suffered any injury, it is just muscle fatigue."

Argentina still have a good team, but to play Uruguay and Brazil without Messi is a situation no fan would like to imagine.