Inter Miami team news: Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing against Atlanta United?

Last weekend Lionel Messi ended his three-month MLS absence in predictable style. Inter Miami conceded an early goal against Philadelphia Union in Messi’s comeback game but the Argentine grabbed a quick-fire brace to put his team ahead and set up his old friend Luis Suarez in the dying moments.

That 3-1 victory for Inter Miami has only served to heighten expectations around a team that were already on track to break the MLS single-season points record. Messi looks back to top form for Miami but the Herons will be eager to protect his aging legs with crucial playoff fixtures coming up. As such, Messi drops to the bench against Atlanta.

Live: Inter Miami ring the changes for Atlanta trip

Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami?

Ahead of the game head coach Tata Martino confirmed that his captain would be included in the squad for trips to Atlanta United and New York City FC.

Martino told reporters on Tuesday: “Leo is fine, he ended the game well. Tired, obviously. It’s the first 90 minutes in a long time, but it ended very well. He is going to travel to both games. He is available but there are three games this week with travel included, so we have to see it day by day.”

After a statement performance in the win over Philadelphia, Lionel Messi has catapulted himself back into the conversation for MLS Most Valuable Player. On Wednesday the Herons take on Atlanta but Lionel Messi was not named in the Inter Miami starting XI. Neither were Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba or Sergio Busquets.

Messi, Suarez and Alba are all on the bench for the Herons, suggesting that they have simply been rested for the game. Sergio Busquets, meanwhile, is suspended for Wednesday’s game. He picked up another booking in the Union victory and will be forced to sit out the match. Young defender Tomas Aviles also misses out due to suspension.