Javier Mascherano has claimed that Inter Miami 'need to give' Lionel Messi a 'break' amid their tight schedule.

"Our initial plan was to give him some rest tonight," Mascherano admitted during the post-match press conference. "But once New England scored, we felt the pressure and decided to keep him on. In the next few matches, we need to find the right moment to let him rest."

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has admitted that talisman Lionel Messi is in need of a break after a hectic schedule in recent weeks.