Lionel Messi returned to full training with Inter Miami and is included in the squad traveling to Jamaica for the Concacaf Champions League match against Cavalier FC. However, manager Javier Mascherano has not confirmed whether he will start, suggesting a cautious approach to managing Messi’s workload and preventing any potential setbacks.
All eyes are on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami prepares for the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie against Cavalier FC in Jamaica. Messi, who has missed Inter Miami’s last three matches due to a muscle overload, has been included in the squad traveling to Kingston.
However, manager Javier Mascherano has not confirmed whether Messi will start, indicating a cautious approach to managing the player’s fitness and workload, particularly given Messi’s upcoming international commitments with the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi returned to full training and has been named in Inter Miami’s squad traveling to Jamaica for their crucial Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cavalier FC. Mascherano stated that Messi participated fully in training and showed positive signs of recovery from his muscle overload.
While his inclusion in the squad is a major boost, the manager’s decision to delay the final decision on whether he starts, until closer to match time, reflects a cautious approach, balancing short-term ambitions with the player’s long-term well-being.
Messi’s recent absence and the reasoning behind the rest
Lionel Messi’s recent absence from Inter Miami‘s starting lineup, spanning three matches, is due to a muscle overload suffered after the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 32 match against Sporting Kansas City.
Manager Mascherano consistently emphasized that this was a planned rest, not due to injury, highlighting his commitment to managing Messi’s workload and prioritizing long-term fitness. The decision reflects a careful balance between short-term and long-term priorities and the needs of both club and country.
The Concacaf Champions Cup second leg against Cavalier FC is a critical match for Inter Miami. Their 2-0 advantage from the first leg provides a strong foundation, but securing a positive result in Jamaica will be essential to ensure progression to the next round.
Predicted lineups Inter Miami vs. Cavalier FC
Inter Miami’s Predicted Lineup: Óscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, David Martínez, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Tadeo Allende, Benjamín Cremaschi; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez. Manager: Javier Mascherano.
Cavalier FC’s Predicted Lineup: Vino Barclett; Jaheem Frazer, Richard King, Jeovanni Laing, Christopher Ainsworth; Shamar Watson, Dwayne Allen, Jerome McLeary; Jalmaro Calvin, Chad James, Shaquille Stein. Manager: Rudolph Speid.
