The 36-year-old Argentine star has participated in every minute of Miami’s three MLS matches in 2024, including the recent Concacaf Champions League draw against Nashville SC on Thursday. However, assistant coach Javier Morales hinted that he might be rested in preparation for the return leg against Nashville.

“We all know Leo and he is a player who wants to play every game,” Morales said during a media availability Saturday. “I think we will have a conversation with him, see how he feels, see how he is and try to decide what is best for him because he has played 90 minutes every game and we will make the best decision thinking about the future.”

Messi contributed a goal to secure a 2-2 draw for Miami against Nashville but experienced a tough tɑϲkle on his shin towards the end of the game. Morales characterized it as a mere “knock” and clarified that it wouldn’t influence the decision regarding his participation on Sunday. However, Messi was subsequently officially labeled as questionable with a shin issue in MLS’ player status report.

Luis Suárez, who secured Miami’s other goal against Nashville, is facing a situation similar to Messi’s, having also been a starter in all four games this season. The 37-year-old might also be considered for a rest against Montreal.

“Luis is in good shape; he has participated in all the games, scoring two goals in the last home game and one goal on Thursday,” Morales mentioned. “His ιnjᴜry is okay, and he is ready to play.

“However, as we just discussed, both Luis and Leo, along with all the players, have accumulated a substantial amount of playing time, particularly during this series of matches. We need to manage it carefully because it’s a lengthy season, and we’re just getting started. We must avoid making any rash decisions. Similar to Leo, we’ll have a discussion with Luis to determine what’s best for the team.”

While Morales refrained from confirming the lineup, another former Barcelona player, Jordi Alba, seems poised to rejoin the team after recovering from an illness that sidelined him against Nashville.

Miami is scheduled to host Nashville in the return leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 tie on Wednesday.