The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient had been marked as uncertain for the match, with reports suggesting that the Argentine superstar was dealing with a minor ιnjᴜry. Given that his preseason preparations were affected by fitness concerns, precautions are being taken to ensure the 36-year-old forward’s well-being during the busy early stages of the 2024 season.

With that in mind, the decision was taken to rotate Messi out of a 3-2 loss to Montreal. Quizzed on that decision afterwards, Martino said: “We discussed this about a week ago. We agreed that this was the game he should rest, independent of what happened in the game against Nashville.”

Martino added, with Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets also benched on the back of a 2-2 CONCACAF Champions Cup draw with Nashville: “(The media) asked 10 days ago if I planned to rotate; we rotated.”

The Herons’ goals were secured by Leonardo Campana and Jordi Alba, yet despite their contributions, the team couldn’t salvage a positive outcome from the game. Inter Miami, engaged in multiple competitions this season, is scheduled for their next match on Wednesday, participating in the second leg of the continental last-16 encounter against Nashville.