Lionel Messi is set to make his return for Inter Miami after recovering from a muscle injury, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday.
Messi had been sidelined since being forced off early in Inter Miami’s dramatic Leagues Cup shootout win over Fernando Gago’s Necaxa. His absence saw the team defeat Pumas 3-1 in the same competition but suffer a heavy 4-1 loss to rivals Orlando City in Major League Soccer.
“Leo is doing well. He’s been training with the team since Wednesday, and unless something unexpected happens in today’s session, he’ll be in the squad for tomorrow’s match,” Mascherano told reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The coach also confirmed the return of Rodrigo De Paul, who had been away due to visa issues. “Rodrigo joins today. The process took a bit longer than expected, but he’ll be in the squad,” Mascherano said.
Mascherano addressed the recent departure of midfielder Federico Redondo to Spain’s Elche, admitting the move came together quickly. “He wanted the opportunity, and things advanced fast. We’ve lost a few players, but we’ve also recovered some we couldn’t count on for a long time. The squad feels more balanced now, and if the right opportunity comes in the final week of the transfer window, we might add one more,” he concluded.
Messi’s return will be followed in both Miami and Argentina, with Scaloni looking to have him available for the next international window.
Valentin Carboni off to a good start for Genoa, nice goal in Coppa Italia.