Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew: Messi leading, injuries, and expected lineup

francisco quatrin
With several injuries, Mascherano is forced to reshuffle the squad.
© Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesWith several injuries, Mascherano is forced to reshuffle the squad.

Inter Miami held its final training session ahead of Saturday’s clash with Columbus Crew — a match that will serve as the last stop before a brief break and the start of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Head coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the team’s injury list and gave insight into Lionel Messi’s impact.

Injury updates: who missed Friday’s training?

Several players sat out the final practice due to lingering issues from the previous match. Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, Gonzalo Luján, Baltasar Rodríguez, Santiago Morales, and Tomás Avilés were all absent. Meanwhile, David Ruiz, who had trained with the group on Thursday, worked separately on Friday as a precaution.

“Jordi and Gonzalo have muscular problems. Toto (Avilés) has an ankle issue. Yannick’s is also muscular. David trained with the group yesterday and did very well. Today we’re just lowering his workload a bit,” Mascherano explained.

He added: “We hope to get a few players back. I’m not a doctor, but we’re short on numbers. Hopefully those heading to national team duty return healthy too.”

For us Argentinians, it’s been incredible, Mascherano said when asked about Messi. “From my perspective, first as a longtime teammate and now as a fan of the national team, what I’ve seen is not just growth in his game but also in his role as a leader — something that became even more evident in recent years.”

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 dream duo? Chances of Cristiano Ronaldo linking up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami revealed

see also

Inter Miami’s projected lineup vs. Columbus Crew

With several key players unavailable, Mascherano will need to reshuffle his squad. The most notable absence is left back Jordi Alba, who doesn’t have a natural replacement on the roster. Young defender Noah Allen is expected to step into that role. At center back, David Martínez may partner Maxi Falcón, though the situation remains fluid.

Advertisement

On the right flank, Ian Fray appears to be the frontrunner, though Marcelo Weigandt could also be considered. In midfield and attack, things are more settled. Benjamin Cremaschi is in contention but appears to be just behind in the pecking order for now.

Tentative starting XI: Óscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Maxi Falcón, David Martínez, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez.

200+ Channels With Sports & News
200+ Channels With Sports & News
  • Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
  • Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
The New Home of MLS
  • Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
  • Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
  • Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
2,000+ soccer games per year
  • Price: $7.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
  • Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
  • Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season
EDITORS’ PICKS

World Soccer Talk © 2025. Made in Florida.

World Soccer Talk, like Futbol Sites, is a company owned by Better Collective. All rights reserved. World Soccer Talk is reader-supported and may earn a commission through our partner links.

Better Collective Logo