Coach Martino defends the decision to leave Messi as a substitute

"We can't ignore the game plan, because it is despite Messi's fitness," coach Martino said after the 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the MLS American professional football tournament on 27. /8. "We are not here to destroy Messi, but to help him play at his best."

This is Messi's first game in MLS, so it is very much awaited, especially after he continuously shines in the Leagues Cup and National Cup. However, the 36-year-old striker started on the bench, and came on as a substitute in the 60th minute. "I understand the demands of the fans, but we cannot be carried away by that," added Martino.

Before this match, Messi had only twice failed to fully play for Inter Miami. He came on in the 53rd minute of his debut against Cruz Azul and was substituted in the 78th minute in the second game against Atlanta United. Messi played the remaining six matches, including the semi-final of the National Cup with a penalty shootout against Cincinnati. Despite the constant play and lack of pre-season, Messi still scored 11 goals and assisted three times, helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup and reach the National Cup final.

Coach Martino began planning to reduce Messi's load after the Cincinnati match. The Argentinian coach told his compatriot striker that the team was playing with a density of three games a week and was physically exhausted, so wanted him to sit out some matches. As he expected, Messi quickly agreed. "Messi has played every game for the past month," added Martino. "It's good for him to rest a bit."

Messi will miss three Inter Miami matches in September because he has to return to South America to play 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Argentina.

In the New York Red Bulls match, despite coming on as a substitute, Messi shone again with a goal after 89 minutes. When faced with five defenders, he swung the ball to the right for Cremaschi and received a pass and cushion in return. scoring ball.

However, Messi is facing a bit of trouble after this match. According to the club's spokesman, the captain striker does not have to meet with reporters. But the MLS stipulates that key players are obliged to give interviews after the game. Before the New York Red Bulls - Inter Miami game, MLS Vice President of Communications, Dan Courtemanche, mentioned this obligation.

Messi is making an unprecedented big influence at Inter Miami in particular and American football in general. Prior to his MLS debut, he helped Inter win all eight games at two Cup tournaments, to win the Leagues Cup and reach the National Cup final - where Inter Miami met Houston Dynamo on September 28. Messi and his teammates still have a chance at the MLS Cup. They are ranked penultimate in the Eastern group, 11 points behind the play-off group, but 11 matches left. Inter Miami's best performance before was sixth place in the 2022 season.