The MLS’s hottest ticket, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, play LAFC at BMO Stadium this weekend.

Messi scored the second goal in Inter Miami’s 2-0 win against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday in his MLS debut. Messi and Sergio Busquets came off the bench and played the last 30 minutes.

“Our talks have centered on the fact that we will have three matches scheduled in a short window and he will need to rest,” Martino said of Messi’s benching. Messi required relaxation after seven Leagues Cup matches and one Open Cup encounter, according to Martino. Martino did not promise Messi will play all MLS games.

Messi has been a surprise in the MLS on and off the field. He has scored in nine U.S. matches, and ticket prices have skyrocketed.

“After a successful run of matches during the last month, having him play just 30 minutes in his last game was beneficial for his recovery,” said Martino, who also stated that Messi would start the next two matches against Nashville and LAFC absent injury.

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, who helps LAFC limit Messi, was explicit about the challenges.

“If you think Messi is a normal player, then you are making a serious mistake,” Chiellini added. It “just shows you haven’t been paying attention for 15 years.”

Carlos Vela returned from injury and scored last week against Colorado before coming in as a substitute on Saturday against Charlotte for LAFC.

Inter Miami is second-to-last in the Eastern Conference with 21 points and 11 games remaining. They are 11 points behind Chicago for the last playoff berth and must maintain their form to qualify.

Inter Miami faces Nashville, whom they defeated in the League Cup Finals, and reigning champion LAFC.

Messi will next go to Argentina to join his national squad for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup against Ecuador in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7 and Bolivia on Sept. 12 away.