Is Lionel Messi Saving Himself for Upcoming Copa America?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Inter Miami is currently sitting at the top of the points table of the Eastern Conference with 34 points in 17 matches, and Lionel Messi has been crucial in this successful campaign for Inter Miami.

This season, Messi has scored eleven goals and nine assists so far, which is the highest goal contribution by a player so far in the MLS. In the last match of Miami against Atlanta United, they faced a surprising defeat of 3-1. The only goal for Miami is scored by Messi from a precise shot from outside the box.

The match against St. Louis City will be his last before he departs for Argentina to join the national team for the upcoming Copa America preparations. There are high chance that Miami will lose another veteran star forward, Luis Suárez due to the same reason.

Despite the stellar performances by the Argentine legend in the pink jersey, a whisper is buzzing around that Messi is trying to play safely and not giving his all due to the forthcoming Copa America matches. His noticeable reduction in playing times and sitting out entire matches, like the recent defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, fuelled speculation among the Heron supporters about his commitments to the MLS side.

Though Inter Miami boss Tata Martino tried to shut down any speculation that Messi is saving himself to prioritise international glory over club duties. He said, “No, I will not speculate if Messi is saving himself for Copa America because [that question has] no validity.” He also concedes that the defeat against Atlanta was a collective failure, and a deeper analysis is required.

Martino also explained the rationale behind the limited minutes of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and the hard choices the coaching staff have to make when managing football icons like Messi, stating: “We understand what these players provoke in the league and other markets, but we have to take these measures that are sometimes unpleasant for people. But they are beneficial for the players.”

Despite the defeat, the Herons will retain their top spot in the Eastern Conference. After the next match against St. Louis City SC, Messi will probably be out for seven games, and Inter Miami will brace themselves for the upcoming matches in the absence of this legend.