The Argentina national team could be the cause…

Messi could not play up to 8 matches in March alone

On March 2, the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) announced the list of 33 players called up by coach Scaloni to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Uruguay (March 22) and Brazil (March 26), including Messi.

Right at the beginning of the season, Messi faced a very tight schedule.

Therefore, with Inter Miami's schedule after reaching the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS (American professional soccer league), there are a total of 8 matches in March alone. This 37-year-old player clearly cannot play all of those matches.

"The only thing I told you (before Inter Miami's 4-1 win over Houston Dynamo FC on March 3 in MLS) was that Messi would train, I never said he would play. We make decisions based on private matters, and internal discussions between the coaching staff," coach Mascherano said. Through that, this coach also denied any reason that Messi was injured or refused to play.

According to the Miami Herald , in fact, Messi was decided by coach Mascherano at the last minute to rest for the match against Houston Dynamo FC, after considering the player's schedule, including the possibility of matches for the Argentina national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In which, Inter Miami will play 6 matches in 2 tournaments MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Albiceleste will play 2 matches against strong opponents including Uruguay and Brazil.

Messi, after a day off, has returned to training and will be ready to play midweek at home when Inter Miami faces Jamaican rival Cavalier SC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 at 8am on March 7. Inter Miami then plays MLS side Charlotte FC at home at 3am on March 10.

Coach Mascherano does not want to take risks with Messi due to the tight schedule for the club and national team.

"Messi will leave open the possibility of going to Jamaica to play against Cavalier SC in the second leg, because it depends on the result of the first leg. In March, Inter Miami has two more matches in MLS against Atlanta United (away, March 17) and Philadelphia Union (home, March 30).

In between, Messi will return to the Argentina national team to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The possibility that this famous player will play both matches with Albiceleste is completely possible," said journalist Jose Armando of Deporte Total USA.

This is the reason why coach Mascherano had to decide to save Messi's strength. Besides, it is also a test for Inter Miami to play without the presence of this 37-year-old player, to avoid being too dependent.

So far, Mr. Mascherano has been successful when Inter Miami did not have Messi, but with Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba and a new squad of quality players such as Telasco Segovia, Tadeo Allende... won the first victory in the 2025 MLS tournament against Houston Dynamo FC right on the away field.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-mascherano-up-mo-ly-do-messi-vang-mat-doi-tuyen-argentina-co-the-la-nguyen-nhan-185250304100826438.htm