Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi would be suitable for meeting Porto at the club World Cup on Thursday, despite showing signs of discomfort in training.
A video appeared by Messi touching his left leg during the session on Wednesday, but Mascherano confirmed that the veteran Spider was ready for Miami’s second group A match in Atlanta.
“On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is in shape, he trained, he finished the whole session,” Mascherano told journalists.
“He touched his legs, sometimes people touch himself, but there is no problem he is in shape and obviously he will play tomorrow.”
The coach said Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba was available after missing the opening 0-0 draw against Al Ahly due to injury.
“We assess what is best for us if he starts or not,” the coach said. “In fact, I already know, but I don’t want to tell you.”
Mascherano meanwhile said to preserve possession would be key to Portugal’s postage, regular Champions League participants who are likely to give the MLS team a strict test.
“We have players who feel much more comfortable when they are in possession, dominate and have control over the game through the ball,” the Argentine said.
“Of course, we are facing a team that is also used to doing what is a high level side.
“But on the field we are 11 against 11, we try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses and try to get a great game to get a good result.”
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a member of Spain’s World Cups of World Cup in 2010, and one of Messi’s former Barcelona teammates, admitted that his team would be against it at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“They have very good players, they have reinforced and we know it will be very difficult,” Busquets told journalists.
“They are a team that competes every year for their league, against other big teams like Sporting and Benfica.
“We will try to be as solid as possible, stay close together and try to 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.”
