Lionel Messi Won't Be Rested Leading Into 2026 FIFA World Cup, Inter Miami HC Says

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters Sunday the club would "try to look after" Lionel Messi "as much as possible" leading up to the 2026 World Cup, but suggested there were no plans to get him additional rest.

"Right now, he is heading off to join the national team; after his return, we will simply monitor how he is feeling day by day. Clearly, he is a vital player for us if we are to achieve our objectives; quite frankly, without him, it would be impossible for us to reach the goals we have set for ourselves. That said, we also understand that he is reaching the final stretch [before the World Cup], but, as I've mentioned before—knowing him as I do, and given that many of the decisions we make regarding him are reached by mutual agreement—we have to keep the lines of communication open, constantly checking in on his physical sensations and how he is feeling."

It's unknown if Messi will play for Argentina at this summer's World Cup, though he is with the country over the international break. But Mascherano doesn't believe he'll be facing an burdensome work load leading into the tournament.

"I don't believe we have many midweek fixtures scheduled over the next two months," he said. "There are only two or three weeks where we won't have a game during the week; otherwise, it will be a schedule of one match per week. Therefore, any time we are able to count on his participation, it is a welcome boost for the team."

Inter Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup last week, leaving only their league fixtures between now and the World Cup.

The club is hoping to repeat as MLS champions, while Argentina is hoping to repeat as World Cup champs. Both are far less likely to do so without a full helping of Messi on the menu.