Lionel Messi Out for Inter Miami CF’s Saturday Match Against Atlanta United FC Due to Fatigue: Report

Lionel Messi did not travel with Inter Miami CF for its Saturday match against Atlanta United FC, as first reported by ESPN Argentina. The Miami Herald's Michelle Kaufman later reported that Messi, while healthy, would miss the game due to fatigue.

Messi, who has led Inter Miami to 11 wins and one draw – including a League Cup title over Nashville SC on Aug. 19 – since officially joining the club in July, left Argentina's World Cup qualifying win against Bolivia last week early. He was also not on the roster for Argentina's win against Bolivia on Tuesday, despite making the trip.

Messi trained with Inter Miami on Thursday and Friday, with head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino telling reporters a decision would be made on his status after the final training before the match.

"We will be careful with him because we have a lot of important games in a short span," Martino said.

After the match against Atlanta, Inter Miami has Toronto FC (Sept. 20), Orlando City SC (Sept. 24), Houston Dynamo FC (Sept. 27) and NYCFC (Sept. 30) in the next two weeks.

The club is currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, six points back of D.C. United for the ninth and final playoff spot. However, its pace since Messi entered the fold has made reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs a distinct possibility.

With a win Saturday, Inter Miami would move to 11th in the Eastern Conference and just three points behind D.C. United.

According to the Miami Herald, a crowd of roughly 72,000 is expected for the contest. Atlanta United plays its home games in Mercedez-Benz Stadium (home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons), with the club's record attendance of 73,019 set at the 2018 MLS Cup.

Mercedez-Benz Stadium is one of 14 NFL stadiums to use artificial turf, prompting speculation that Messi would not play due to international soccer's affinity for natural grass surfaces. However, during his first press conference since joining Inter Miami last month, the 36-year-old said he played on turf during his academy days, and that he had "no problem adapting" to the surface.

Inter Miami and Atlanta United's match is set for 5 p.m. ET.