Lionel Messis availability for From MiamiS Concacaf Champions Cup match Sportkan has been questioned after reports of his reluctance to play in extremely cold weather. However, Coach Javier Mascherano has raised these problems and soothing fans about the star’s participation.
Inter Miami’s preseason has been intensewith the team traveling across the American continent and handles Messi’s minutes to prevent fatigue. Expectations were high for the season opener in Champions CupOne of the team’s most important goals this season.
But rumors began to circulate after journalist Franco Pazino reported it Messi was unwilling to play in the hard cold as expected in Kansas City. Messi’s struggle with extreme cold conditions drove speculation.
But before the match, coach Mascherano was quick to dismiss these rumors when asked about Messi’s presence. “Lionel Messi is available for tomorrow’s game. I can assure you, he will play“He said, and put to rest doubt about Argentin’s participation.
The weather forecast for the game, scheduled for 19.00, Predicts a 70% chance of snow, with temperatures expected to be extremely cold. The minimum temperature will reach -5.8 ° F (-21 ° C), and the maximum is expected to be only 5 ° F (-15 ° C), making it a challenging environment for the players.
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The first part of the Champions Cup between Miami and Sporting KC Is scheduled for February 18, with the second stage which takes place a week later on February 25. With away goals that have significant weight, Messi’s presence will be crucial to Inter Miami’s chances in the competition.
Messis fights in cold weather
Despite Mascherano’s insurance, Messi’s past fighting with cold weather is well documentedBut this will be his first experience with such extreme conditions in the United States
One of the most remarkable cases occurred in 2021 during a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid while Messi was still in Barcelona. The match, played in heavy rain with temperatures around 51.8 ° F (11 ° C), saw Messi visibly shaking before second half. Cameras caught the viral moment and in the 79th minute, Messi requested a change of both of his shirts because of the cold.
Another huge reference to Messi’s struggle is his current teammate at Inter Miami, Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker talked about him at Ballon d’Or Gala 2021 in Paris, the same year he moved to PSG. In an interview with TNT -SportsSuarez made a sudden revelation: “He told me he suffers a lot to play in the cold and in the snow. He must surely get used to the cold here. “
