Lionel Messi comes back with a bang and insists, “I don’t need to rest.”
Lionel Messi influenced the InterMiami lineup, setting both goals in a 2-1 victory over Atlas last night, and then repeated the need to play to maintain his rhythm.
Messy was forced to sit with FC Cincinnati on Saturday after Major League Soccer handed him a one-game suspension Skip the All-Star Game on July 23rd.
Miami boss Javier Mascherano said before Atlas collided, Messi’s banned silver lining could rest before busy times, but the eighth Baron des or winner claimed he was a happy play.
That was clear as he grew into the game after a modest first half of the Argentine superstar, providing Terrasco Segovia’s assist and Marcelo Weigant in the time of injury.
Rest is bad for me – Messi
“The truth is that it’s difficult because of the heat and I wasn’t playing the other day. Even if it gets better (the rest) it’s even worse for me because I have to compete,” Messi said after the game. “The more I play and get into rhythm, the better I feel physically.
“The other day they didn’t let me compete. I felt that in the first half, but the important thing is that we won.”
Miami won its first League Cup trophy under former coach Gerald Martino in 2023, falling to Columbus crew in round 16 last year.
“It’s a great competition for us, something we’re always competing,” Messi added. “It’s a great test to play against a Mexican team, and the format has changed so you can enjoy playing it. It’s a great competition (winning) is very important.
“The American teams weren’t winning. It’s important that we take advantage of them as we compete with each other. While we’re playing against the Mexican team, the table needs to be on our side and get more than the others.”
Paul makes his debut
This victory provided another demonstration of Messi’s importance to Miami. He has now scored or supported 21 of Intermiami’s last 27 goals since May 28th.
Some of the load may be shifted by the arrival of the World Cup winner Rodrigo de Paul made his debut following his move from Atletico Madrid.
Maschellano said: “Rodrigo offers a tier who is a world champion, one of the most important players in the world champion, a world champion and has important connections with the best players on the pitch.
“We all had the opportunity to play with Leo, to get to know Leo, to play with players who have a connection with him, and we have to take advantage of it.
Messi is scheduled to play when Nekakusa visits Chase Stadium on Saturday.