The reason behind Lionel Messi's absence in the match against Houston Dynamo

Lionel Messi has been left out of the Inter Miami delegation that travelled to Houston for their match against Dynamo on Sunday, as part of the third round of MLS fixtures. Although the club has not issued an official statement regarding Messi's absence, local media outlets revealed the reason behind his exclusion. It is reported that the decision stems from a rotation strategy implemented by coach Javier Mascherano, aiming to keep Messi fresh for Thursday's upcoming home match against Cavalier FC from Jamaica in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

Rotation Strategy by Mascherano

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano seems to be making tactical decisions to ensure his star player, Messi, remains in peak condition for the Concacaf Champions Cup. While the match against Dynamo in Houston is important, it is not considered as crucial as the encounter with Cavalier. Mascherano’s focus is on keeping Messi fit for the high-stakes international clash on Thursday, with the aim of advancing in the prestigious tournament.

Messi’s return to the lineup for Thursday’s game appears to be a priority for Mascherano, as the team looks to progress further in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Given the tournament’s significance, having Messi available and in optimal physical condition is essential. The decision to rotate players and manage Messi's workload is key to keeping the team competitive in the long run.

Confirmation from Houston Club

Houston Dynamo confirmed that Messi will not be present for the match on Sunday, a news which has caused some disappointment among fans who were hoping to see the Argentine legend in action. Nevertheless, it is clear that the decision to exclude Messi from the squad was made to prioritise Inter Miami's participation in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a major regional club competition.

With this in mind, Inter Miami is preparing for their upcoming clash with Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a match that presents an opportunity to further cement their position in the tournament. Meanwhile, Messi’s absence in Houston underscores the importance of Inter Miami’s long-term goals, beyond their local MLS campaign.