Inter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has defended Lionel Messi after his recent performances - with some believing that he's managing his workload to prepare himself for Copa America.
Messi will leave Inter Miami for several weeks to play for Argentina in the South American tournament, hoping to defend their 2021 championship win. In recent weeks, Messi's game time has diminished, playing less time and even missing games completely - as he did in the loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps last week.
This has seen some fans question Messi's intent with his MLS club, being questioned of choosing country over club ahead of the Copa America getting underway in late June.
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But Martino has hit back against anyone thinking that Messi would ask to play less, explaining his decisions for managing his playing time in recent weeks.
He said: "We trained yesterday. When we finished, I conferred with the coaching staff and talked with the players, and at that moment we decided that they would not form part of the team. We understand the people's frustration, especially in wanting to see these players, but it is our job as the coaching staff to make these decisions that are uncomfortable.
"We understand what these players provoke in the league and other markets, but we have to take these measures that are sometimes unpleasant for people. But they are beneficial for the players. We can't announce with 20 days' notice what our movements will be. We analysed the situation on Thursday because we have three games in a week, but sometimes unfortunate things happen that don't allow for players to participate in a certain match."
Lionel Messi has been accused of managing his playing time in recent weeks and concentrating on the Copa AmericaHe added: "No, I will not speculate if Messi is saving himself for Copa America because that has no validity."
Messi played 90 minuted on Wednesday evening to quieten those beliefs, scoring in a home loss to Atlanta United, with Miami now losing two in a row for the first time this season. The south Florida outfit remain atop of the Eastern Conference standings, but could now be overtaken by FC Cincinnati who have a game in-hand.
Miami are preparing to be without Messi for what could be as long as seven games, but he'll remain in the United States - which is set to host the tournament for the second time.
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