Coach Mascherano provides an update on Messi's injury status

Coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi is completely ready to participate in the MLS playoff opening match versus Nashville SC this coming weekend.

This is great news for Inter Miami fans, especially after the Argentine superstar caused concern by missing Tuesday’s training due to a mild back injury. According to Mascherano, Messi trained normally in the last two sessions (Wednesday and Thursday) at Inter Miami’s training ground, earning the “green light” to start in this crucial weekend match.

“He trained fully with the team and no longer feels any pain. The rest on Tuesday was just a precaution to prevent the injury from worsening,” the Argentine coach shared. “Messi is completely ready to play the entire 90 minutes, and even longer if necessary.”

Messi’s return gives Inter Miami their strongest lineup for the playoff matches. After the first leg against Nashville, the two teams will meet again on November 1st, allowing players time to recover physically between games.

Not only Messi, but Inter Miami also welcomes Mateo Silvetti back after he helped Argentina’s U20 team finish as runners-up at the U20 World Cup in Morocco. The 19-year-old expressed excitement about reuniting with his teammates: “They welcomed me warmly, everyone congratulated me. I’m happy to be back and ready to contribute to the team’s goals,” Silvetti said.

Notably, this playoff will also mark the final tournament in the careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi’s former teammates at Barcelona. Both have announced their retirement plans after this season ends.

Last season, Inter Miami was eliminated early by Atlanta United, a result they hope to avoid this year. With Messi in peak condition and the experience of veteran stars, fans have reason to expect Mascherano’s team to advance further in their quest for their first-ever MLS championship.