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Lionel Messi, who has missed Inter Miami’s last three matches, will travel to Jamaica for Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Cavalier, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Wednesday.
Messi was absent from Miami’s 4-1 MLS win over Houston Dynamo on March 2, as well as their 2-0 victory against Cavalier in the first leg of the last-16 tie. He also remained on the bench for Sunday’s 1-0 win over Charlotte, with Mascherano stressing that the decision was about workload management rather than injury concerns.
“Leo Messi is on the roster and will travel with the team to Jamaica. Tomorrow (Thursday), we will decide whether he starts or comes off the bench,” Mascherano said before the team’s departure.
Messi participated in full training ahead of the match, and Mascherano noted that “the sensations were good,” adding that the team is pleased he will be available.
A sell-out crowd is expected at Kingston’s 35,000-capacity National Stadium, where Messi will play in Jamaica for the first time, despite having faced the country’s national team with Argentina.
Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid remains optimistic about his side’s chances, despite Miami’s star-studded lineup featuring former Barcelona players Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
“Our players need to feel comfortable playing against such esteemed opponents,” Speid said. “Jordi Alba plays like he’s still 25, Busquets is a brilliant player, and Messi… well, I don’t even have to say anything.”
