"Messi has had an overload"

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said on Wednesday that Leo Messi is not suffering from an injury, but is suffering from an overload, and that is why he has decided to look after him and rest him for the final MLS game against Houston Dynamo.

He told a press conference ahead of Thursday's home clash with the Jamaican Cavaliers in the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League, where he did not confirm that Messi will start.

"With respect to Leo, Leo hasn't had any injuries, obviously with the passing of the games he has felt tired, he has been overloaded, that's why we decided not to send him to Houston," Mascherano said.

"We've already had a few injuries and we don't want a player who is so important to us to end up being out for a month because we didn't give him a certain amount of rest. We don't want to, some will agree and some won't, that's why I was brought in," he added with a smile.

Messi did not play in Inter Miami's 4-1 win in Houston last Sunday. The Argentine has two goals and two assists in three games this year.

"The odds are like the rest of the players, we'll see what decision we make, as of today I still don't have 100% confirmed the team," Mascherano said of the chances of Messi starting against the Cavaliers.