Soccer players over the age of 30 need to be managed smartly. Even if it’s Lionel Messi. For players in their 30s, the body just doesn’t recover quickly enough, and in turn, you can’t play them in every game of the season. Messi has captured the imagination of America since his move to the MLS. But he’s 36 and so Inter Miami boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, has to use Messi wisely.

This is something former USMNT player and analyst Herculez Gomez seems to reiterate as well. According to him, Messi could be rested by Tata Martinez ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS game against New York Red Bulls.

Lionel Messi could be rested against New York Red Bulls

The hype to watch Messi play is raging in America. Most soccer fans expect Messi to make his MLS debut versus New York Red Bulls at the Red Bull Arena. However, Herculez Gomez argues otherwise.

Speaking on ESPN FC, when asked whether Messi should sit the game against the Red Bulls out, Gomez said, “Yes he’s going to sit this one out, I think he’s going to for a large portion.”

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‘I don’t see him starting. I think Tata Martino even said you can see our players Messi included clearly gassed and is taking a physical toll on him. So I expect some changes,’ he added.

Further elaborating on how Tata Martinez needs to manage Messi, Gomez added, “He’s going to have World Cup qualifiers. You’re going to have to be very smart, very intelligent if you’re Tata Martino, and pick and choose your battles. I think the Red Bulls will be one of them. I don’t see him(Messi) playing a large factor in this one.” 

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As we’ve reported earlier, the premium tickets to watch Messi’s intended debut in New York are selling for over $20,000. While the lowest tickets are selling for $610. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup earlier this month which was their first trophy win since Messi joined the club. But there’s all to play for in the MLS.

Inter Miami needs 42 points to secure a playoff spot says Herculez Gomez

According to Herculez Gomez, Inter Miami still has a shot of making the playoffs. This is despite them being last in the MLS Eastern Conference. Speaking about their playoff aspirations Gomez said, “Listen they’re last place in Major League Soccer, 18th Place, last place in the East, last place just in general.” “If they want to get to that last playoff spot, the 9th place spot they’re gonna have to do some damage in these next 12 games.”

Elaborating about how many points they need to qualify, Gomez said,“They theoretically need to win eight and a few draws if not nine. The magic number is 42. I did the math okay, the magic number for Inter Miami to advance to the next round is 42 points and how I got there was the last three full seasons, because 2020 was a COVID season, so it was reduced, so the last three full seasons that average is the 9th place 42 points. That’s a tall order, they’ve got 18 right now you’re asking them to I believe only be able to lose 11 points.”

It’s certainly a difficult road to qualification for the playoffs for Inter Miami. They need 24 points more as per Gomez’s calculations. However, with Messi in the team, anything can happen.

What do you think about Gomez’s comments? Should Messi be rested or played? Let us know in the comments below!

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