The CF coach of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, said it is optimistic that Lionel Messi could make the list for the match against Charlotte FC on Sunday night at Chase Stadium, although he added that he was not willing to take unnecessary risks with the star player at this stage of the season.
“Leo is much better. We are optimistic that if everything goes well, there is the possibility that he is on the list. We will see, but we still need to train. Obviously, I never guarantee anything when he is still training,” Mascherano said on Saturday.
Messi lost two consecutive games of Inter Miami, watching from the barrier while the team triumphed 4-1 over the Houston Dynamo on March 2 and 2-0 on the Cavalier FC in the first stage of the Round of the Concacaf Champions Cup of 16 draw on March 6.
Mascherano chose to rest to the captain of Argentina after he experienced fatigue by playing three games in the course of seven days as caution against possible injuries.
But Messi has participated in a “great part” of training before Sunday's game. The media observed the first 15 minutes of Saturday's session, where Messi heated and played with his teammates.
“I am the first one who wants Leo to play, because I know if Leo plays, we are stronger. I'm not going to shoot my foot, it's crazy,” said Mascherano. “Now, there are situations that must be addressed day by day, and I must make sure that the player feels, not only in the case of Leo, but any player feels 100%, otherwise I will not take an unnecessary risk.”
Inter Miami is undefeated in the 2025 campaign, with a record of four victories and a draw in all tournaments. The team achieved two victories without Messi, something that Mascherano was eager to celebrate.
“It is clear that for all players, for staff, for the club, it is important to understand that when Leo is not there, we all have to step forward because we have a great loss,” he said.
“And that's how it is, we all have to take a step forward. Now, clearly, you give me an option. I want to have it in all games because we are obviously much stronger with him.”
Inter Miami will be the host of Charlotte at the Chase Stadium before traveling to Jamaica to finish the two -legged series of the 16 against Cavalier on Thursday, March 13.
