Lionel Messi’s fitness is reportedly a concern ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS Eastern Conference match against the New York Red Bulls at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

The Herons’ captain’s streak of scoring three consecutive braces was ended as Javier Mascherano’s injury-hit side lost 3-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the former battling midfielder has since confirmed that many squad members are struggling.

Although Messi previously cited muscle complaints at the start of the season, the 2022 World Cup-winning captain of Argentina played every match at the Club World Cup and has been involved since their MLS team's exit at the hands of eventual runners-up Paris Saint-Germain.

While the 38-year-old is expected to retain his place in the team, veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari may not be so fortunate, having been replaced after 25 minutes in the first half; Rocco Novo Rios replaced the 39-year-old in Cincinnati and could start in New York.

Although Gonzalo Lujan, Yannick Bright and David Ruiz rejoined the squad after time on the sidelines on Wednesday, with Lujan and Bright coming off the bench, it is unlikely they will start against the Red Bulls.

Therefore, Mascherano is likely to opt for an unchanged defence of Marcelo Weigandt and Jordi Alba flanking Tomas Aviles, who was key to Herons' build-up play, and Maximiliano Falcon, who completed every pass in their midweek loss to Cincinnati.

Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi are expected to continue their midfield partnership, with Cremaschi, fresh from winning a team-high five tackles and winning nine of 11 duels, eager for another challenge.

While Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia could not influence their midweek defeat, the wide attackers are likely to keep their places for the match against the Red Bulls.

In attack, Luis Suarez, whose nine assists highlight his selflessness, has also scored five goals for Mascherano's team in MLS this year.

Indeed, the forward is expected to start up front alongside 16-goal Messi as Inter Miami aim to return to winning ways after losing their six-match unbeaten streak.

Apart from the previously mentioned Ustari, Noah Allen (hamstring), Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor) and Baltasar Rodriguez (hamstring) are expected to miss out, while Allen Obando's hamstrings will be evaluated before the fixture. 

Inter Miami possible starting lineup: 

Novo; Weigandt, Avilles, Falcon, Alba; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez