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Messi’s Playing Time Under Watch as Mascherano Sparks Speculation After Nashville Brace

Messi’s Playing Time Under Watch as Mascherano Sparks Speculation After Nashville Brace originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Lionel Messi once again shines for Inter Miami after scoring a fifth consecutive brace in the MLS. Despite Messi delivering on the pitch for Inter Miami, there is some concern among fans that believe the Argentine star has been playing too much.

Since the start of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Messi has played seven games for Inter Miami in less than a month. The 38-year-old has not had significant rest over the past month and has played the full 90 minutes in all seven games.

Javier Mascherano has mentioned in the past that he plans on resting Messi soon, but after seven games straight, the manager has yet to give the star fewer minutes. Messi stayed on the pitch for the whole game against Nashville.

Mascherano has not substituted Messi off the pitch in the last seven games, which has concerned Inter Miami fans. With another game on Wednesday, Mascherano responds to concerns regarding Messi’s playing time.

Javier Mascherano on Lionel Messi’s fitness

After the game against Nashville, Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano was once again asked if he plans on resting Messi shortly after the player has played another full 90 minutes for the Herons.

Inter Miami still has more MLS games ahead, and in less than three weeks, the Leagues Cup will also be another competition Messi and the Herons will compete in this summer.

Javier Mascherano: “We are monitoring things day by day, at some point we might find the opportunity to give him [Messi] a bit of rest. We talk about it daily, and he feels that he is fine.”

Mascherano’s decision to consistently play Messi has worked as the number ’10’ continues to score many goals for Inter Miami in the MLS. Messi has become the joint top goalscorer of the MLS this season with 16 goals after his brace against Nashville.

Javier Mascherano: “It’s indescribable, he [Messi] does incredible things and breaks records every three days. He is our team’s leader and the one who guides us on how we should compete, he’s the one who motivates his teammates and shows them how we should carry on, the truth is it’s wonderful to be with him at this stage of his career.”

Lionel Messi’s Last Six MLS Games

Messi is on fire in the MLS and has shown his level before and after Inter Miami participated in the Club World Cup.

Messi had eight goal contributions in the last three MLS games ahead of the Club World Cup. He scored goals against the Philadelphia Union, CF Montreal, and Columbus Crew.

Messi Before CWC

  • 1 goal vs Philadelphia Union
  • 1 assist & 2 goals vs CF Montreal
  • 2 assists & 2 goals vs Columbus Crew

Messi has seven goal contributions in the MLS for Inter Miami after coming back from the Club World Cup. He reached 16 goals in 16 MLS games and also has six assists.

Messi after CWC

  • 1 assist & 2 goals vs CF Montreal
  • 2 goals vs New England Revolution
  • 2 goals vs Nashville SC

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

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