Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has revealed that he is “optimistic” that Lionel Messi would be available for Sunday’s MLS match against Charlotte FC, but he did not provide any guarantees.
The 37-year-old has missed Inter Miami’s previous two competitive games owing to exhaustion after playing three games in a week.
The Herons finally chose not to risk Messi in last Sunday’s 4-1 MLS win over Houston Dynamo or Thursday’s 2-0 triumph against Jamaican team Cavalier in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup last 16.
After receiving much-needed rest, Messi has participated in the majority of training in preparation for Inter Miami’s home game against Charlotte FC.
Mascherano delivers Messi update before of Charlotte fixture.
Speaking in Saturday’s pre-match news conference, Mascherano indicated that he is hoping 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 manager made it clear that he will not play Messi if there is a chance of injury.
“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.”
Inter Miami is even on four points with Sunday’s opponents, who followed a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders with a 2-0 victory against Atlanta United.
Charlotte’s head coach, Dean Smith, has stated that his club is prepared for their journey to Chase Stadium with or without Messi.
“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 has a mixed record in MLS matchups with Charlotte, with two wins, two ties, and two losses in six games in the competition.
When the two teams last met in September, they drew 1-1, with Messi scoring in the 67th minute to cancel out Karol Swiderski’s opener.
