Messi, Suarez and Busquets to miss Inter Miami's MLS game against Whitecaps

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Lionel Messi will not play in Inter Miami's match in Vancouver against the Whitecaps on Saturday, a move coach Gerardo Martino said was based on the team's crowded upcoming schedule.

Messi and teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets will not play for Major League Soccer-leading Miami (9-2-4) in the match that was expected to draw more than 50,000. Miami has two home games scheduled next week.

“We thought it was the most prudent for them not to play this match," Martino said Friday. "They have been training, but they will not be available for the game.

“We obviously understand the frustration of the people wanting to watch these players play. We as coaches sometimes have to make these very difficult football decisions. But we always have to keep in mind the players’ health first.”