USA icon denies Lionel Messi needs to be rested as he

Messi’s strict rule for swapping shirts — but rare exception made

Former USA defender Alexi Lalas has hit out at claims Lionel Messi should be rested for his first MLS league match against New York Red Bulls this weekend. Messi has played eight games for Inter Miami since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, but is yet to feature in a league match in the Eastern Conference.

Lalas’ comments come after Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino claimed Messi has been pushed to his limits in recent games. The World Cup winner has yet to miss a game since signing for the MLS franchise and is fresh from winning the Leagues Cup and securing a place in the U.S. Open Champions cup final.

“Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit,” Martino said after Inter Miami’s penalty shootout win over FC Cincinnati to reach the U.S. Open Champions cup final. “From today we will start to evaluate this – how do I face at least the next three games? You also have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45, 50 days.”

Martino’s comments, ahead of Miami’s hectic schedule in the coming weeks, prompted one Twitter user to suggest the club could rest it’s star player in an attempt to make the play-offs. Such an achievement would be no mean feat with Miami currently bottom of the table and 14 points off the final play-off spot.

“Load management? Messi walks around most of the game!” Lalas reacted on the social media platform. Another fan replied asking if Messi could be rested due to the caliber of opposition Miami will face, with Lalas responding: “Don’t be so insecure. Messi has always walked…until it’s time not to walk.”

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Lalas’ responses came following his post praising Messi’s incredible form since joining Inter Miami. “The Messi Miami train keeps rolling,” he said. “Eight games, 10 goals, undefeated, and led his team to a trophy and two finals. If you can’t find joy in this or you find a way to crap on it, you need to seek help. Also, he has yet to score or win and game in @MLS and his team is in last place.”

Inter Miami are next in action when they face New York Red Bulls on Saturday. If Messi were to miss the game he could feature against Nashville next Wednesday.

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