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Lionel Messi's availability for Inter Miami's upcoming MLS match against Chicago Fire FC remains uncertain after the World Cup.
After Argentina's World Cup run to the final, Inter Miami will have to be careful with the workload of both Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, and FIFA and FIFPRO have suggested that players should have mandatory recovery periods after returning from big tournaments.
FIFA Recommends Recovery Time For Lionel Messi After the World Cup
FIFA and the world's players' union, FIFPRO, announced earlier this month that they are collaborating on a joint player welfare project focusing on rest and recovery.
In a statement, FIFA said: "FIFA and the players' union (FIFPro) are reviewing a joint project to be developed involving the world football governing body and the players' representative organization, with a special focus on players' rest and recovery, as well as competitions in the context of the International Match Calendar (IMC)."
The governing body also confirmed that player welfare was the priority. FIFA said, "There is a consensus that there should be at least a 72-hour break between matches. Players must have a rest/vacation period of at least 21 days at the end of each season."
FIFA also noted that the recovery time would not be the same for all players. The governing body said, "This period must be managed individually by each club and player, also depending on their match schedule and taking into account the applicable collective agreements."
Inter Miami Provide Messi's Availability
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said he recognizes the need to adhere to those recommendations as Messi and De Paul return from international duty.
Hoyos said, "What they need now is resting with their loved ones."
Inter Miami has practically confirmed that Messi or De Paul will be sitting out the game against Chicago Fire. The club will review both players separately and make a final decision on their return.
