Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami’s final training session ahead of their match against Charlotte FC, with head coach Javier Mascherano addressing the likelihood of the star player suiting up.
Inter Miami fans are eagerly awaiting Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch after the Argentine missed the first leg of the Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Cavalier SC. Meanwhile, Argentina’s national team hopes Messi doesn’t overextend himself as they prepare for a critical pair of CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
Caught in the middle of this balancing act is Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano, tasked with deciding whether to play Messi or rest him. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s training session, Mascherano shed light on the possibility of Messi being involved in Sunday’s MLS matchup against Charlotte FC.
“He’s much better. We’ll evaluate him in this final training session. We’re optimistic, and if everything goes well, there’s a chance he’ll be called up. But I never make decisions until the last training session is complete,” Mascherano stated during the press conference.
Pressed for clarity to ease fans’ nerves, Mascherano explained, “I want him out there as much as anyone because I know we’re stronger when Leo plays. I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot. But there are situations that need to be managed day by day”.
“I have to be certain that the player feels 100% ready—not just in Leo’s case, but for everyone. Otherwise, I won’t take unnecessary risks, especially in this early phase of the season where we can manage certain situations,” he added. “There will come a time when we’ll need to take bigger risks, and we’ll do so. I understand the frustration, but we can’t make rash decisions if reality tells us otherwise”.
Following Mascherano’s remarks, Inter Miami’s Saturday training session featured Lionel Messi practicing alongside his teammates. However, notable absences included Robert Taylor, Maxi Falcón, Drake Callender, and Marcelo Weigandt.
Inter Miami will host Charlotte FC this Sunday, March 9, in MLS action. On Thursday, March 13, the team will travel to Jamaica for the second leg against Cavalier SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, aiming for a quarterfinal berth.
After that busy stretch, Inter Miami will visit Atlanta United on Sunday, March 16, before Messi shifts focus to international duty. Argentina will face Uruguay in Montevideo on Friday, March 21, followed by a blockbuster clash against Brazil at El Monumental on Tuesday, March 25.
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