Lionel Messi made a successful return to the plan with a target for From Miami After recovery from injury. With a tight schedule forward, coach Javier Mascherano addressed the star’s availability for the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup quarter final against Los Angeles FC.
Messi suffered a less left adductor injury during Inter Miami’s MLS match against Atlanta UnitedForce him to miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay and Brazil. His fitness remained in question throughout the week when he trained partly on his own and was left outside the starting lineup towards Philadelphia Union.
Messi came on the 55th minute for Robert Taylor and made an immediate impact, score just two minutes later to secure a key gain. At the press conference after the match, Mascherano Explained the plan behind Messi’s minutes:
“We wanted Leo to get a few minutes. The idea was that he would come in for 30 or 35 minutes – today, with extra time, he ended up playing a little more, but he felt very good. We didn’t want to risk starting him to play the whole match could have made a certain risk. Luckily he ended well, and we are very happy about it. “
Will Messi travel to Los Angeles?
Inter Miami will visit LAFC on Thursday for the first part of their Champions Cup quarter finals– A crucial matchup in their pursuit of cutlery. On the question of Messi’s availability, Mascherano did not hesitate:
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“The plan is for him to recover and travel to Los Angeles“Pronounced the coach.”Obviously he played today because he is doing well – we took no risks with him. Maybe he wasn’t ready for 90 minutes but playing about 45 including stoppage time was good for himHe added.
Messi looked sharp during his time in the field and raised the fans’ expectations of his participation on Thursday. “If nothing unexpected happens is the plan for him to travel“Added Mascherano, which made it clear that Messi will be available.
Inter Miami enters a demanding training distance. From March 29 (against Philadelphia) to April 13 (against Chicago Fire) they will play Five matches in just 16 days over MLS and Champions Cup Action. Given that schedule, Messi’s protocol will continue to be handled closely to avoid the risk of reinjury.
