According to reports, Messi and Luis Suárez missed part of the training session open to the media on Saturday, and Javier Mascherano confirmed that changes might be made to the starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Dallas.

Mascherano told reporters: “There will definitely be changes in the team because it’s clear that we need to prioritize the next match and secure a win to recover from the defeat.”

Mascherano referred to Inter Miami’s 2-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. The Argentine coach also emphasized that playing on artificial turf—which is rare for the 38-year-old Messi—has affected his physical condition.

He said: “Messi finished the game well, but he was obviously tired. Playing on artificial turf can exhaust a player more due to the surface. However, he ended the match in good form.”

ESPN reported that Messi and Suárez were absent from training, and goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also did not train with the team, while midfielder Sergio Busquets worked separately.

Inter Miami’s packed schedule due to their progress in the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS matches has heavily impacted the team, especially Messi. The forward has played in six of the team’s eight league matches, starting five. Mascherano expressed dissatisfaction with the short turnaround between Miami’s last match on Thursday and the upcoming game on Sunday.

The Inter Miami coach added: “Playing every three days is one thing—most of our players are used to that. But having less than 72 hours, including a six-hour trip, is another. This situation is different from the Toronto game, where we had more recovery time after playing LAFC on Wednesday. We’ll see. There will certainly be changes in the team because we need to prioritize the next match and secure a win to bounce back.”