Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi is progressing as planned and will be available for the team’s upcoming friendly against Sporting San Miguelito in Panama this Sunday. Mascherano emphasized that Messi is adhering to a playing time plan designed by the coaching staff.
“Leo is very well, according to what we had been planning,” Mascherano stated at a press conference. He explained that the plan involved gradually increasing Messi’s playing time in preseason friendlies. Messi played 66 minutes in the first friendly against America in Las Vegas, scoring a goal, and then 73 minutes in the scoreless draw against Universidad de Deportes in Lima, Peru. Mascherano reiterated that the overall goal is to give all players significant minutes on the field during preseason.
Inter Miami, boasting a roster including Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets alongside Messi, will travel to Panama on Saturday for the Sunday match against Sporting San Miguelito. Following this, the team will face Club Deportivo Olimpia in Honduras on February 8th and conclude their preseason preparations against Orlando City in Tampa, Florida, on February 14th.
Mascherano also addressed the possibility of further signings before the MLS transfer window closes on April 23rd. “The market is long, we know we have until the end of April,” he commented, adding, “We don’t want to rush, but I’m sure some other player will arrive.”