Lionel Messi‘s absence in the last two Inter Miami squad lists have raised the controversy around fans who were expecting to see him on the green grass. Under this lack of transparency on the star’s fitness, coach Javier Mascherano gave a straight response on the matter.
After being a starter in the first three season games, Messi was away from the pitch in the games against Houston Dynamo and Cavalier SC due to a fatigue. When asked about the frustration of the fans, Mascherano made the record straight:
“I’m the first one who wants Leo to play—we are stronger with him. I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot. However, there are situations that need to be managed day by day, and I have to be certain that the player, whether it’s Leo or anyone else, feels 100%. Otherwise, I won’t take an unnecessary risk,” told the media before Saturday training session.
The coach also addressed the importance of not exposing Messi at this moment: “Especially at this early stage of the season, where I believe we can manage certain situations. There will come times when we have to take more risks, and we will. But we’re not going to act recklessly. I understand the frustration, but reality is what it is, and we can’t change that.”
Despite not having Messi in the last two games, Inter Miami were able to pull off great results, both in the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, the lack of communication on his situation has raised the discomfort around the club
see also
Why Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – But Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr won’t
Mascherano on Messi’s availability against Charlotte
Inter Miami are set to host their third MLS game on Sunday against Charlotte prior to the second leg against Cavalier. The spotlight will be once again on whether Messi will be on the pitch or in the stands as he has done last game, but Mascherano left the door open for an eventual return of the star:
“Leo is feeling much better. We still have one more training session, and we’ll assess him. We’re optimistic that, if everything goes well, there’s a chance he will be called up,” the Inter Miami boss said.
Despite Mascherano was reluctant to confirm Messi’s presence in the game, it reports claim that the forward will make his return after more than a week out. According to DirecTV‘s Alonso Inca, the Argentine star will be available against Charlotte.
