Inter Miami head coach, Javier Mascherano, has assured fans that Lionel Messi will be ready to face Porto in Thursday’s Club World Cup encounter, despite a video clip raising concerns over the star’s fitness.
Footage from Wednesday’s training session showed Messi appearing to touch his left leg, prompting speculation about his condition.
However, Mascherano moved swiftly to dispel any doubts.
“On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session,” Mascherano told reporters.
“He was touching his leg, sometimes people touch themselves, but there’s no problem, he’s fit and obviously he will play tomorrow.”
Messi, who recently returned to the squad after a brief injury layoff, is expected to be a crucial presence in Inter Miami’s second Group A fixture, held in Atlanta.
The team played out a goalless draw against Al Ahly in their opening game.
Adding to the boost for the MLS side, veteran defender Jordi Alba is also back in contention after missing the previous match.
“We’ll evaluate what’s best for us, if he starts or not,” Mascherano said about Alba. “Actually, I already know but I won’t tell you.”
Mascherano highlighted ball control as central to Miami’s strategy against Portuguese giants Porto, a club known for its consistent presence in the UEFA Champions League.
“We have players who feel much more comfortable when they’re in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball,” said the Argentine tactician.
“Of course, we’re facing a team that also is used to doing that, who are a high level side.
“But on the pitch we’re 11 against 11, we’ll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses and try to have a great game to get a good result.”
Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, another of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for Inter Miami.
“They have very good players, they have reinforced and we know that it will be very difficult,” Busquets said.
“They are a team that compete every year for their league, against other great teams like Sporting and Benfica.
“We will try to be as solid as possible, stick close together and try to do the best we can as a team.
“If we get chances, we have the individuals (who can finish them), but above all we have to be solid and keep a clean sheet.”
The clash with Porto is expected to be one of the biggest tests yet for the MLS side as they seek a breakthrough at the Club World Cup.
