Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino reveals that Lionel Messi has acknowledged the need to reduce his playing time next year to manage the demanding schedule for both club and country.
Asked how you convinced the 36-year-old Argentina World Cup winner to play less, Martino said, “It seems to me that it is something that he has already incorporated; he has accepted.
“Because not only do we have our competitions, but there is also a Copa America in the middle of the year, and it is another important competition that is added.
“This topic has already been discussed with him (Messi) and Sergio Busquets; their desire is always to be there, to compete and play on all fronts, but they know that undoubtedly next year they will not be able to be in every game.
“There have been games this year where Leo was on the bench and he came on for a few minutes. There will be games where they will have to rest because it’s going to be impossible to be in every game.”