Almeyda has watched the tape of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener, and he did not pretend it made for pleasant viewing.

Messi scored twice in a 4-2 comeback win over Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, equalizing in the 13th minute and adding a third for the hosts just after the half-hour, Inter Miami confirmed in its official recap.

That second goal took him to 14 in the competition, past LAFC’s Denis Bouanga as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

That is the Messi who will walk out against Monterrey on Saturday. Almeyda’s response, delivered at his own post-match press conference after Rayados’ 2-1 defeat to Orlando City, was to plead for a different one.

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‘Go on a boat, be with the family’

Asked about Messi’s quick return from his post-World Cup break, the Argentine coach made no attempt to hide his admiration.

“He’s a machine. He truly keeps astonishing everyone, despite his age. So much talent, so much desire to play,” Almeyda told reporters, according to Infobae.

Then came the line that had the room laughing.

“Didn’t he feel like staying on vacation a bit longer? I don’t know, going on a boat, being with the family,” Almeyda joked.

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“He doesn’t want vacations. He wants to play.”

His wish for Saturday was delivered with the same shrug.

“You have to hope that on that day, I don’t know, that he doesn’t feel like it,” the Monterrey coach said, as reported by La Nación.

Monterrey have no room left

The joke bites harder because Monterrey cannot afford another loss. Almeyda’s side opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Orlando City, leaving them without a point going into the Miami trip.

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Inter Miami sit second in their MLS group with three points after the comeback against San Luis. Kick-off at Nu Stadium is at 8pm ET on Saturday, Inter Miami said when the phase-one schedule was released.

If Messi does feel like playing, Almeyda already knows how the evening ends. He said as much himself.

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