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Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was forced to use a familiar line when discussing Lionel Messi following the draw against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday. “He finished the game fine, but he was tired. He has muscle fatigue in the back of his legs, but that’s logical”.

Messi’s hectic start to the 2024 season

The former Barcelona and Mexico manager didn’t appear overly concerned with the fact Messi required treatment in the first half of the match at Geodis Park.

Although the season has only just begun, the vast number of games and indeed trips in a short space of time take their toll on all players, not just a veteran. Since reporting back with The Herons after the winter break, Messi has played 10 matches, which have included a preseason tour of Asia and a trip from the east coast to the west to face LA Galaxy.

Inter Miami must manage Messi’s workload after 2023 issues

At the age of 36, Messi is more vulnerable to such fatigue and being overworked than ever before, despite having looked after himself well through his career. As well as a hectic club schedule, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will join up with Argentina in under two weeks, although the reigning world champions will at least be playing two games in the United States.

Last year, Inter Miami and their coaching staff struggled to manage Messi’s game time. As a result, he broke down in the September international break and barely played in the last few weeks of the season, severely hampering The Herons’ failed push for the playoffs.

From the moment he arrived in Florida, Martino has made it clear that managing Messi’s workload is one of his main priorities, to ensure he is always available. The Inter Miami coach isn’t overly concerned about his star player’s fitness at the moment, but he may have to be prudent if there are to be no problems further down the line.