Lionel Messi, approaching his 39th birthday, continues to mesmerise the football world with his left-footed brilliance. While most players of his age might hang up their boots and watch from the sidelines, Messi—affectionately known as LM10—remains at the pinnacle of performance, preparing for yet another World Cup.
With the tournament kicking off on 11 June, Argentina aims to defend its crown. Questions abound regarding Messi’s stamina at this stage of his career. Would he need additional rest ahead of the global showpiece? Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano offers a different perspective: rather than rest, Messi thrives when he is actively competing on the pitch.
Argentina’s Pre-World Cup Schedule
As part of their build-up, Argentina will face:
| Date | Opponent | Match Type | Messi’s Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March | Mauritania | Friendly | Expected to Play |
| 31 March | Zambia | Friendly | Expected to Play |
Messi has not yet formally confirmed his participation in the World Cup, preferring a step-by-step approach. “Each match, each moment, my body will dictate the decision,” he has stated. Unless a major injury occurs, his presence in Qatar appears highly likely.
Before joining the national team, Messi featured for Inter Miami on Sunday against New York City FC, scoring his 901st career goal in a victorious outing. In the post-match press conference, the issue of rest naturally arose. Barred from the dugout by a previous red card, Mascherano spoke via video link, expressing his viewpoint.
“We make every effort to care for him,” Mascherano said. “But Messi is a player who feels most comfortable when he is on the field. Playing actively has a positive effect on his body. He is indispensable if we are to achieve our goals. Frankly, achieving them without him would be impossible.”
Inter Miami and Messi: A Thoughtful Strategy
Following Inter Miami’s exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the club’s schedule is less congested. Typically, there is one match per week, with minimal midweek fixtures, providing ample recovery time. Mascherano emphasises that the club has no rush regarding Messi’s minutes, focusing instead on meticulous planning and personalised care.
Their long-standing relationship—from Barcelona to Argentina and now Miami—ensures that both Messi’s physical condition and mental well-being are closely monitored. Mascherano adds, “Over the next two months, we don’t have many midweek games. Maybe two or three weeks will have additional matches, but generally, one match per week is our rhythm. Whenever he joins us, it will be a tremendous boost.”
In summary, Messi’s pre-World Cup preparations will not involve extra rest; rather, remaining active on the pitch is viewed as the optimal path to maintain his sharpness, energy, and influence for both club and country.