Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was optimistic about Lionel Messi’s injury, although the Argentine star will miss Wednesday night’s match against Pumas UNAM.
Messi suffered a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg on Saturday during the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, and had to leave the field in the 11th minute. The club confirmed that his return will depend on his “clinical progress and response to treatment”.
I spoke with him. The club issued a very clear statement. It’s a minor injury, all things considered, it’s good news.
Mascherano added: “We don’t like to estimate a return, especially in Leo’s case. He usually recovers very well from injuries and, above all, quickly. We’ll see, but he clearly won’t be available for tomorrow. Then we’ll see how he feels, how he evolves.”
After Wednesday’s match, the team is scheduled to face Orlando City in the MLS regular season on Sunday at Inter & Co Stadium.
Mascherano continued: “So obviously it’s good news. He’s an important part of the team, especially at this point in the season. He’s another player we’ll decide whether he starts tomorrow or not.” Given the new tournament format, Inter Miami must beat Pumas on Wednesday to maintain mathematical chances of finishing the group stage in the top four of the MLS table. The top four teams from each league will advance to the knockout stage. Inter Miami is in third place with five points in two games, after defeating Atlas FC and drawing 2-2 against Necaxa, winning in the penalty shootout to obtain the additional point.The team was concerned about appealing the red card and obviously they agreed with us. We believed it was unfair in the match and this decision ended up confirming it.
Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami says Lionel Messi’s muscle injury is “minor”
Mascherano also expressed his admiration for the midfielder and Barcelona legend, Sergio Busquets, whose contract with Miami expires at the end of the year. “Busquets is obviously a very important player in the history of football and the club. I went to Barcelona to learn from him; I was a substitute and learned from him, so imagine what life is like now that I have to coach him. Things that are inexplicable,” said Mascherano. “Clearly, when it comes to the first four, now including Rodrigo De Paul, they are matters of the club and the club’s project, where they end up speaking face to face with the owners and the decisions go beyond that.” “I am delighted with these seven months for Sergio. I hope he can continue playing, and if it’s at Inter Miami, even better. I tell him every day, he has a lot to contribute. I am not involved in anything to do with the conversations between the player and the club. I don’t have much information about that.”
