Before the MLS playoffs match between Inter Miami and Nashville on Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the condition of Lionel Messi, the team’s captain and star player.
Messi has recently experienced minor back discomfort after a busy schedule. Mascherano confirmed that the Argentine forward is fit and ready to play the full match, stating he could go beyond the regular time if needed.
“When we returned to training on Monday, he was feeling some back discomfort,” Mascherano said. “On Tuesday, we chose to let him rest to prevent further issues, but he trained normally yesterday and completed the full session with the team. We just wanted to ensure he had adequate rest.”
Mascherano explained when Messi felt the discomfort, noting it was during Monday’s recovery session after the team’s match against Nashville. “He felt some tightness in his back, possibly from sleeping poorly or moving awkwardly. He noticed it during rondo drills, but it wasn’t serious. The players who played against Nashville only did light work, and that’s when he felt it,” Mascherano clarified.
Javier Mascherano, coach of Inter Miami
Mascherano on aiming for better playoff results
In his pre-match comments, Mascherano downplayed any pressure from last season’s playoff exit, noting he wasn’t part of that team. He emphasized that the focus is on one goal: advancing to the next round while remaining composed.
Mascherano highlighted their determination to progress beyond the first round in the best-of-three series with Nashville, while recognizing that soccer can bring unexpected outcomes. “I don’t like to talk about the past before my arrival,” he stated. “But we know we’re entering a crucial part of the season, and we will do everything we can to perform well and advance.”
“We have a responsibility to win the series,” Mascherano added. “Considering how both teams performed in the standings, we must accept our role as leaders. But in soccer, anything can happen once the game starts. We’ve trained well, prepared thoroughly, and now it’s time to deliver.”
Mascherano’s view on both teams
Reflecting on the matchup against Nashville, Mascherano acknowledged that their recent encounters allow both teams to make strategic adjustments, creating a level playing field for the playoffs. He pointed out specific areas Inter Miami needs to improve to gain an advantage.
“Both teams will try to refine their strategies for the best possible performance,” Mascherano mentioned. “Facing the same team multiple times in a short span gives insights into their style. We can’t depend on past results as those were different matches. We were lucky not to concede more in the first half, but we allowed chances that we can’t afford in the upcoming match. We must work on those details and replicate what we did well in the second half.”