Lionel Messi makes statement on controversial MLS ban after Inter Miami heroics

Lionel Messi admitted that he struggled to find his rhythm in the first half against Atlas on Wednesday night after sitting out Inter Miami's last outing - claiming he "needs to compete" - before producing in the second-half to help his side land a winning start to their Leagues Cup campaign.

Messi had a week off after being hit with a one-game suspension by the MLS and said that while rest may suit some players it wasn't something he needed as it took him 45 minutes to get into his groove.

The Argentine eventually came up trumps in the second-half as he laid on both goals for Inter Miami. Telasco Segovia equalised just before the hour mark and Marcelo Weigandt came up with the winner in stoppage time, which was initially ruled out for offside before VAR overturned it.

Messi has scored or assisted 21 of Inter Miami's last 27 goals in all competitions, dating back to late May as he continues to be a hugely influential figure for the Florida outfit.

He said after the game: "The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it's worse because I need to compete. I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into rhythm. The other day they didn't let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won."

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The World Cup winner watched from the sidelines as Inter Miami held FC Cincinnati to a draw on Saturday. His punishment was sent down by the league's chiefs after he missed the MLS All-Star Game. The Argentine skipped the exhibition clash and, at the time, no reason was given for the league's biggest name not taking part.

Since then Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano claimed he was fatigued. MLS rules state than anyone who skips the All-Star Game without an injury has to accept a one-match ban.

Messi's team-mate Jordi Albawas subjected to the same ban after also bypassing the game. MLS commissioner Don Garber said last week: “We do have rules, and we have to manage through that as well. We would have loved to have Leo here. We’d love to have every player that was selected for the All-Star team here. After this All-Star Game, we’ll figure out what needs to happen.

"I was told this morning that neither Jordi nor Messi practiced today (Wednesday). Jordi came off with an injury in last game, and we’ll have to manage through what Miami is going to say about that.”

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