Inter Miami is set to face Jamaica’s Cavalier in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16.
Lionel Messi has missed Miami’s last three matches. Will the Argentine superstar return to action in the upcoming game? Miami coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that the World Cup-winning forward will travel with the team.
The match against Cavalier will take place in Kingston, Jamaica, kicking off at 6 AM Bangladesh time on Friday.
Messi last played on February 25, when he scored a stunning goal in Miami’s 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the Champions Cup’s first round.
Since then, the 37-year-old forward has been absent from three consecutive matches. Initially, the club provided no official explanation for his absence, fueling speculation.
Before Miami’s last MLS match against Charlotte FC, Mascherano revealed that Messi was sidelined due to muscle fatigue. He was included in the squad and seen on the bench but didn’t take the field. Miami still managed a 1-0 win.
Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s training session, Mascherano confirmed Messi’s availability for the upcoming match against Cavalier.
“Leo Messi is in the squad and will travel to Jamaica with the team. We will decide tomorrow (Thursday) whether he starts or comes off the bench, depending on what’s best for him.”
“He trained with the team today (Wednesday) and felt good. We’re happy that he will be with us in Jamaica.”
