Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano is already facing a frantic schedule and has reportedly made the decision to leave Lionel Messi out of the matchday squad for the second MLS game of the new season.
Messi starred in Inter Miami's opening-day draw, contributing two assists including for Telasco Segovia's dramatic equaliser in the tenth minute of second-half stoppage time against New York City.
The Herons were a dominant force in Major League Soccer in 2024 but fell short in the post-season.
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Messi's exceptional ability was the biggest reason for their regular season success but new head coach Mascherano has set his sights on continental success as well as managing his 37-year-old megastar's minutes in a busy MLS season.
With Miami competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Messi is expected to return against Jamaican side Cavalier in midweek but will not feature in MLS against Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Messi, who has been fined by MLS after an ugly confrontation with the NYCFC coaching staff last weekend, is training as normal.
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"Leo is fine. He is OK," Mascherano told reporters on Friday.
"Every situation and season is different and you have to put everything in context," said the former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder.
"We started the season in Kansas, where the Champions League is an important competition for us. In between those two games we had the start of the MLS season. That is also one of the competitions we aim to win. So, when we talk about being able to rotate and rest the players, we must see the context. We had to play three games in [seven] days."
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Mascherano's willingness to rotate Messi where necessary causes problems for Miami's opponents off the field as much as his presence would have on it.
MLS has placed great stock in Messi's marketing clout and home teams sell tickets for Herons away fixtures based on his participation.
While buying a ticket from one club to watch a 37-year-old playing for the other is a consumer risk, clubs have reacted differently to his absences in his time in MLS.
The Dynamo made a statement on Saturday evening that subtly highlighted their lack of culpability but offered a show of goodwill that should win them a few new supporters in the long run, giving Sunday's attendees a generous buy-one-get-one-free deal to watch another Dynamo game on the house.
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The statement read: "The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening. The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston.
"Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.
"We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night's match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, MLS
Chris Nee