Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano is hopeful that Lionel Messi’s injury won’t keep him sidelined for too long, although the Argentine captain will be absent for Wednesday night’s match against Pumas UNAM.
Messi sustained a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg during a League Cup game against Nekakusa at Chase Stadium on Saturday, leaving the field early in the 11th minute and heading straight to the locker room. The club has stated that his return will depend on his recovery progress and treatment response.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mascherano confirmed, “Yes, I told him. The club has put out a very clear statement. It’s a minor injury, which is a silver lining in this situation.”
“We prefer not to estimate recovery times, particularly with Leo involved. He typically bounces back quickly from injuries.”
After the match on Wednesday, the team will square off against Orlando City in the MLS regular season at Inter & CO Stadium on Sunday.
In preparation for their final group stage match in the League Cup, Inter Miami is also relieved about Maximiliano Falcon’s red card being rescinded by the Disciplinary Committee. Mascherano noted, “The team was careful in appealing the red cards, believing it was an unfair decision. This is certainly good news as he is an important player for us at this stage.”
With the tournament’s new format, Inter Miami needs to secure a victory against Pumas to ensure they finish in the top four positions of the MLS table for a chance to advance to the knockout stage. Currently, they sit third in their group with five points from two matches, having defeated Atlas FC and drawn 2-2 with Nekakisa before winning in a penalty shootout.
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Mascherano also expressed his respect for the legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets, whose contract with Miami ends this year. “Busquets is a key figure in football history, and I’ve learned a lot from him during my time in Barcelona.”
“When it comes to our top players, including Rodrigo de Paul, those discussions happen at the club level with the owners, and I’m not directly involved. I’m glad for Sergio over the last seven months. If he continues to contribute to Inter Miami, that would be fantastic. I encourage him to keep sharing his experience with the team every day.”
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans because Messi’s performances significantly impact the excitement and competitive landscape of the sport. His potential return strengthens Inter Miami’s chances and showcases the unique star power that can elevate soccer in the U.S.
