Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized once again the need to manage Lionel Messi’s workload as the season progresses, admitting the team must “find the right time to give him a break.” That comment has sparked fresh uncertainty about how involved Messi will be in the upcoming MLS clash against FC Cincinnati.
Messi continued his dominant league form over the weekend by bagging his fifth consecutive MLS brace, lifting Inter Miami to a narrow 2-1 victory against Nashville SC.
Following that performance, Mascherano told reporters the club is “monitoring the situation daily and having ongoing conversations” when it comes to Messi’s playing time. With a critical fixture against Cincinnati approaching—a direct competitor for the top spot in the MLS standings—it remains unclear whether the Argentine star will start or be given a rest.
Despite those doubts, Messi may still retain his place in the front line alongside longtime teammate Luis Suarez, especially given what’s at stake in the standings. However, Suarez’s situation also appears fluid, with Mascherano revealing the club needs to “manage his time carefully.” The Uruguayan striker has faced recent criticism after going three straight MLS games without a goal.
Even so, both veterans are widely expected to start, likely supported by Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia in the attacking midfield roles. Leonardo Afonso and Fafa Picault should be available as attacking options off the bench.
Defensively, Inter Miami might be forced to make one change. Right-back Marcelo Weigandt remains a doubt after he limped off in the final moments of the win over Nashville. Ryan Sailor could be called into the starting lineup if Weigandt is ruled out.
The rest of the back line is expected to stay the same, with Maximiliano Falcon, David Martinez, and Jordi Alba forming the defensive trio ahead of veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
In midfield, Sergio Busquets—another Barcelona legend—is likely to start. He’ll be partnered by either Benjamin Cremaschi or Federico Redondo, depending on how Mascherano wants to balance experience and energy in the center of the pitch.
Inter Miami’s possible starting lineup:
Ustari; Sailor, Falcon, Martinez, Alba; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez
