Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed Lionel Messi will be fit to face Portuguese giants FC Porto in Thursday’s Club World Cup Group A clash, despite concerns arising from a training session on Wednesday.
Footage had emerged showing Messi appearing to touch his left leg during training, sparking fears that the 36-year-old could be carrying a knock. However, Mascherano dismissed any injury concerns and insisted the Argentine star is ready for action.
“On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit,” Mascherano told reporters. “He trained, he completed the whole session. He was touching his leg—sometimes people touch themselves—but there’s no problem. He’s fit and obviously he will play tomorrow.”
The former Barcelona defender also provided an update on Jordi Alba, another of Messi’s ex-Barça team-mates, who missed Inter Miami’s goalless draw against Al Ahly due to injury.
“Jordi is available,” said Mascherano. “We’ll evaluate what’s best for us, if he starts or not. Actually, I already know, but I won’t tell you.”
Inter Miami face a stern test against Porto, regular participants in the UEFA Champions League and a side Mascherano described as high-level opponents. The Argentine emphasised the importance of possession if his team are to compete.
“We have players who feel much more comfortable when they’re in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball,” he said. “Of course, we’re facing a team that is also used to doing that. But on the pitch, we’re 11 against 11. We’ll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses and try to have a great game to get a good result.”
Midfielder Sergio Busquets, another former Barcelona and Spain stalwart, echoed Mascherano’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenge that Porto pose.
“They have very good players, they have reinforced and we know that it will be very difficult,” Busquets said. “They are a team that compete every year for their league, against other great teams like Sporting and Benfica.
“We will try to be as solid as possible, stick close together and do the best we can as a team. If we get chances, we have the individuals who can finish them—but above all, we have to be solid and keep a clean sheet.”