Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano assured on Wednesday that Lionel Messi is fit to face Porto in their Club World Cup Group A match on Thursday, despite brief signs of discomfort during training.
A video circulated showing Messi touching his left leg during Wednesday’s session in Atlanta, but Mascherano dismissed any concerns, confirming the veteran forward completed the entire training and will start against the Portuguese side.
“On the trip from Miami to Atlanta, I noticed he was touching his leg in some moments, but Leo is fit. He trained fully and will obviously play tomorrow,” Mascherano told reporters.
Mascherano also confirmed that Jordi Alba, who missed the opening 0-0 draw with Al Ahly due to injury, is available for selection. “We’ll evaluate what’s best for us, whether he starts or not. I know the decision but I won’t reveal it,” he added.
The coach stressed that maintaining possession would be crucial against Porto, a seasoned Champions League team expected to test Inter Miami’s mettle.
“We have players who feel more comfortable when controlling the game through possession,” Mascherano said. “Porto are also used to dominating play and are a high-level side. But on the pitch, it’s 11 against 11. We’ll try to neutralize their strengths, exploit their weaknesses, and aim for a strong performance and result.”
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a 2010 World Cup winner and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, acknowledged the challenge posed by Porto.
“They have very good players and have strengthened their squad. We know it will be tough,” Busquets said.
“They compete every year for their league title against strong teams like Sporting and Benfica. We’ll focus on being solid defensively, staying compact, and working hard as a team. If we get chances, we have the quality to finish them, but first and foremost, we must keep a clean sheet.”
