Manager Mascherano Confirms Messi’s Inclusion in Inter Miami Squad for Cavalier Clash

Lionel Messi, who has missed Inter Miami’s previous three fixtures, is set to fly to Jamaica for the CONCACAF Champions Cup encounter against local side Cavalier, as announced by coach Javier Mascherano on Wednesday.

Messi was absent during Inter’s 4-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer on March 2, followed by his non-participation in the 2-0 win at home against Cavalier in the first leg of the last-16 clash with the Jamaicans.

The Argentine superstar remained on the bench during Sunday’s 1-0 triumph over Charlotte in MLS. Mascherano clarified that the decision to limit Messi’s playing time was a strategic measure to manage his workload rather than due to injury concerns.

Addressing the media before the team departed for the Caribbean island, Mascherano, who previously played alongside Messi at Barcelona, confirmed the forward’s inclusion in the travelling squad.

“Leo Messi is on the roster and will travel with the team to Jamaica. Tomorrow (Thursday), we will decide what is best for the match—whether he starts or comes off the bench,” he stated.

“Today he trained with the team, and everything felt good. We’re delighted that he’ll be joining us in Jamaica,” he continued.

The fixture is anticipated to draw a full house at the 35,000-seat National Stadium in Kingston.

Although Messi has faced Jamaica’s national team in previous international encounters with Argentina, he has yet to play in Jamaica itself.

Cavalier’s head coach and sporting director, Rudolph Speid, is optimistic about his team’s chance to overturn the tie, despite facing opponents that boast former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez.

“It’s essential for our team to acclimatise so that our players feel confident challenging opponents of such high calibre,” said Speid.

“Jordi Alba may be 35, but he moves like he’s 25. Sergio Busquets is an exceptional player—once he has the ball, it’s tough to take it from him. And Lionel Messi, well, I really don’t need to say more,” he remarked to the Jamaican Gleaner.