Messi out: Inter Miami without the star against Pumas, Mascherano optimistic

Messi, out due to injury, but Mascherano keeps hope alive

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed optimism about Lionel Messi’s quick recovery, even though the Argentine star will not be available for the match against Pumas UNAM this Wednesday. Messi suffered a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg during the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on Saturday, forcing him to leave the field in the 11th minute. The club has 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, which, all things considered, is 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, he tends to do so quickly. We’ll see, but it’s clear that he won’t be available for tomorrow. Then we’ll see how he feels, how he progresses.” After Wednesday’s match, the team is scheduled to face Orlando City in the MLS regular season on Sunday at Inter & Co Stadium.

Inter Miami is preparing to face Pumas in the last group stage match of the Leagues Cup, and will have Maximiliano Falcón, after the disciplinary committee withdrew his red card.

The team took care of appealing the red card and, obviously, they agreed with us. We thought it was unfair in the match and this decision ended up confirming it,” commented Mascherano. “So obviously it’s good news. He is an important part of the team, especially at this time of the season. He is another player that we will decide whether to start tomorrow or not.

Javier Mascherano

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 positions of the MLS table. The top four teams from each league will advance to the knockout phase. Inter Miami is in third place with five points in two matches, after defeating Atlas FC and drawing 2-2 against Necaxa, winning the penalty shootout to obtain the additional point.

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Mascherano also spoke of 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 for 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 of 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 it.”