How Inter Miami plans to keep Lionel Messi fit for the 2025 season

By: Shawn
‎Inter Miami’s strategy for managing Lionel Messi’s workload in the 2025 season has been carefully outlined to ensure his continued success. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been given a balanced schedule to maintain his peak form, with the club ensuring that he is capable of playing consecutive games without risking long-term injury.
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‎'Lionel Messi.'
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Messi recently made a crucial impact in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union, coming off the bench to score just two minutes after his introduction. His goal helped secure three more points for the Herons, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.
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‎Despite his impressive contribution, Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, clarified that Messi’s playing time remains closely managed. Mascherano suggested Messi would participate in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against LAFC on Wednesday. In a recent press conference, he explained, “The plan is for him to recover and travel to Los Angeles. The minutes Messi played against Philadelphia were carefully planned, and we didn't take any risks. He wasn't ready for a full 90 minutes, but the 45 minutes, including added time, were beneficial.”
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‎Mascherano further elaborated on the strategy, noting that Messi’s performance against Philadelphia was intentional to ensure he gradually regained match fitness. “The goal was to give Leo around 30-35 minutes, and with added time, he ended up playing a bit more. We didn’t want to risk starting him as that could have led to complications. Fortunately, he finished the game well, and that’s very promising,” Mascherano stated.
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‎Having led the team to a historic Supporters' Shield victory last season and securing MVP honors, Messi’s presence remains vital to Inter Miami’s ambitions for the 2025 MLS Cup. As the season progresses, the club is prioritizing his long-term fitness to avoid any setbacks while maximizing his impact on the field. This careful management is central to Inter Miami's pursuit of success in both domestic and international competitions. SA

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