Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has admitted he is “optimistic” that Lionel Messi will be available squad for Sunday’s MLS meeting with Charlotte FC, although he stopped short of offering any guarantees over the Argentine’s availability.
The 37-year-old has missed Inter Miami’s last two competitive matches due to fatigue after playing three matches in a week.
The Herons ultimately decided against risking Messi for last Sunday’s 4-1 MLS win over Houston Dynamo and Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Jamaican side Cavalier in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup last 16.
Having been given valuable rest, Messi has taken part in the majority of training in the lead-up to Inter Miami’s home game against Charlotte FC.
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Mascherano provides Messi update ahead of Charlotte fixture.
Speaking in Saturday’s pre-match press conference, Mascherano revealed that he is hopeful that Messi will be ready to play a role in Sunday’s MLS fixture.
“Leo is much better,” Mascherano told reporters. “Like I always say, especially ahead of an MLS game when we have one more training to go, we will evaluate it.
“We are optimistic that if all goes well, there is a chance he will be on the roster for the game.”
However, the Inter Miami boss was keen to stress that he will not play Messi if there is a possibility that he could be an injury risk.
“I’m the first one that wants Leo to play, because I know that if Leo plays we’re stronger,” Mascherano added. “I’m not going to be shooting myself in the foot, it’s crazy.”
Now, there are situations that need to be addressed day by day, and I have to be sure that the player feels, not only in Leo’s case, but any player feels 100%, otherwise I will not take unnecessary risk.”
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Smith ready whether Messi features or not
Inter Miami are sitting level on four points with Sunday’s opponents, who followed a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders with a 2-0 win over Atlanta United.
Charlotte head coach Dean Smith has explained his team are ready for their trip to Chase Stadium whether the hosts are with or without Messi’s services.
“Well, results-wise, it hasn’t looked too different, has it?” Smith told reporters. “We’re still looking up at them in the table, and we want to beat them and compete with them.
“Whether they have Messi or not, they have still got good players. He is the world’s best, he scores and creates unbelievable goals, but we also have to plan for him and without him because we are not in control of that.”
Inter Miami have a mixed record in MLS meetings with Charlotte, having recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats in six matches in the competition’s history.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw when they last faced off in September when Messi scored a 67th-minute equaliser to cancel out Karol Swiderski‘s opener.
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