Mascherano’s Preference for Player Rest
Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, recently expressed his preference for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba to skip the upcoming 2025 MLS All-Star Game. He believes that players should be given adequate rest during the demanding season. Both Messi and Alba have been selected for the All-Star clash scheduled for July 23 against top players from Liga MX in Austin, and Alba is also slated to participate in the Skills Challenge the day before the main event.
Concerns Over Player Injuries
Mascherano commented on the situation, expressing uncertainty about the club’s final decision, saying,
“It’s not my choice, but I wish they could rest. I understand the significance of the All-Star Game, yet everything seems to be on track as of now.”
In the lead-up to the All-Star festivities, Inter Miami is preparing to take on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, marking their third match within a week. This busy schedule follows their participation in the Club World Cup, where they finished second in their group, advancing to the knockout stage before being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.
The pressing nature of the game schedule has raised concerns for Mascherano, especially after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari sustained an injury during a midweek match against FC Cincinnati, which necessitated his substitution.
“Injuries are a concern for me, though I’m not an expert,”
Mascherano admitted. He highlighted the increasing number of muscle injuries the team has experienced throughout the season, stating,
“The intensity of our games, particularly in the last month and a half, has been extremely high. We need to understand the reasons behind this and work on appropriate solutions, as the team is clearly suffering from these injuries.”
Ustari’s Condition and Upcoming Matches
Regarding Ustari’s condition, Mascherano confirmed that while he won’t play in the upcoming match, he couldn’t yet provide details on how long Ustari would be sidelined, noting that Rocco Ríos Novo would take his place in goal. As the summer progresses, Inter Miami is also gearing up for another major event, set to clash with Atlas in the Leagues Cup on July 30, adding to their already packed schedule.
