Lionel Messi Absent from Inter Miami’s Trip to Houston: Rest Overpacked Schedule

Lionel Messi did not accompany his Inter Miami team to Houston for their Sunday night matchup against the Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium, as confirmed to ESPN by a source.

The decision to rest the renowned player was made by new Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, who cited the team’s demanding schedule as the reason. Inter Miami has faced a hectic stretch, with three matches in just 10 days, starting with the Concacaf Champions Cup series against Sporting Kansas City and then commencing their MLS season with a game against New York City FC.

According to a club source, Messi is in good health and is expected to return to the field for the Concacaf Champions Cup first-leg clash against the Jamaican team Cavalier FC on Thursday at Chase Stadium.

In a statement released on Saturday, Houston announced that fans attending Sunday’s game would be offered a free ticket to another match.

“The Houston Dynamo are thrilled to welcome Inter Miami CF to Shell Energy Stadium this Sunday evening,” stated the announcement. “Reports suggest that Lionel Messi will not be playing, and unfortunately, we have no influence over the lineup choices of our opposition.

“We anticipate a vibrant atmosphere and a grand celebration of soccer in Houston. As a token of our gratitude, attendees of tomorrow night’s game can receive a complimentary ticket to an upcoming Dynamo match this season. More details will be shared early next week.”

The Miami Herald was the first to report Messi’s absence from the trip.

This news follows Mascherano’s earlier comments on Friday, where he indicated that the 37-year-old star had trained with the team and would be available for selection over the weekend.

“Leo is doing well. He’s in perfect condition and is participating in normal training like his teammates,” Mascherano remarked.

The coach also mentioned resting Messi when it would be most advantageous, considering the rigorous 2025 schedule.

“There are no identical situations, and context is key. We’ve been in knockout situations and began the season in Kansas, emphasizing the significance of the Champions League for us,” said Mascherano.

“The MLS kickoff happened between these crucial games, and it’s a competition where we aim to excel. When discussing rotating or pacing the players, we must look at the situation holistically. We had three matches in six days, which didn’t allow for optimal rest after changes to the first match date. Despite these challenges, we aim to adapt and protect our players. We will find suitable opportunities for rest and continue to move forward.”

Inter Miami’s visit to the Dynamo marks the second match day of the 2025 MLS season, boasting two victories and one draw under Mascherano.