Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Inter Miami’s determination to relaxation Lionel Messi whereas Luis Suarez continues to play has raised eyebrows amongst followers. With each gamers being Barcelona legends and nearing the latter phases of their careers, the membership’s contrasting strategy to their enjoying time has sparked loads of debate.
Whereas Messi has been sidelined for 3 consecutive video games, together with the current 1-0 victory over Charlotte, Suarez has continued to function prominently, enjoying a key position in his aspect’s success. The reasoning behind this distinction in therapy has now been defined, shedding mild on why the 2 stars are being dealt with in distinct methods.
The Herons’ newest win marked their third consecutive victory with out Messi within the lineup. Regardless of the 37-year-old’s absence, head coach Javier Mascherano had initially deliberate to convey him off the bench. Nevertheless, after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was despatched off within the first half, the coach determined in opposition to taking the danger. “We had thought of giving Leo minutes, however beneath the circumstances of the sport, it was prudent to protect him,” the supervisor advised reporters.
With Inter Miami main 2-0 from the primary leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie in opposition to Cavalier, there’s hypothesis that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may return within the upcoming fixture. Nevertheless, with essential worldwide matches in opposition to Uruguay and Brazil later in March, the membership is taking a cautious strategy to his health.
Why Suarez performs whereas Messi rests
One of many greatest speaking factors in Miami’s squad rotation has been the continued presence of Suarez regardless of Messi being rested. At 38 years outdated, Suarez is even older than Messi and has an extended historical past of knee issues, requiring in depth preparation simply to get on the sector.
But, he has performed in 85% of Miami’s minutes this season, together with 60 minutes within the win in opposition to Charlotte—the place he supplied a vital help. So why is Messi being managed so rigorously whereas Suarez continues to play frequently?
Mascherano has downplayed issues over Messi’s health, however studies recommend that the Argentine has been coping with muscle cramps and spasms since his first few appearances this season. Not like Suarez, whose points are joint-related, Messi’s issues are soft-tissue primarily based, which means he’s extra susceptible to accidents if not correctly managed.
Former Premier League defender Danny Higginbotham, now an MLS pundit, defined that the distinction in enjoying types additionally performs a job in how they’re handled. “It’s two utterly completely different gamers,” Higginbotham advised Apple TV. “I am going again to my soccer profession… Some gamers may relaxation for a number of weeks and are available again recent. However I used to be a participant who needed to play week in, week out. As a result of if I missed one sport, it took me three video games to get again going once more.”
“I have a look at Suarez like that. I believe Suarez is the kind of participant, you simply preserve enjoying him. As a result of should you relaxation him, should you cease him, it’s going to take him a very long time to get again into the rhythm of issues.”
Stats show the distinction
Higginbotham’s principle is supported by Suarez’s performances, because the Uruguayan has struggled to attain after coming back from lengthy layoffs. For example, he failed to attain in his first three MLS matches of 2024, and after Copa America final summer time, he endured a purpose drought upon his return. Nevertheless, his type improved as soon as he performed frequently, contributing in every of Miami’s final 4 video games.
In distinction, Messi tends to hit the bottom operating after absences. He scored in his first sport for Inter Miami within the 2023 Leagues Cup, discovered the online instantly after a two-month damage layoff final September, and regardless of harsh climate circumstances, he scored in his first sport of 2025 in opposition to Sporting Kansas Metropolis. This distinction means that the Argentine veteran doesn’t want as a lot enjoying time to remain sharp, whereas Suarez requires fixed rhythm to keep up his type.
