"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.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi created MLS history with his performance in Wednesday's 2-1 MLS win over the New England Revolution. Messi went into the contest in a confident mood after registering two goals and two assists in Saturday's 4-1 victory against Montreal.