Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has played down fears over Lionel Messi’s fitness following concerns raised during their 1-0 win against Columbus Crew. The 37-year-old forward featured for the full 90 minutes as the Herons edged a tense top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
Speaking after the match in Cleveland, Mascherano addressed questions regarding Messi’s condition. He explained that there had been no official update from the medical team and, from what he observed, there was no cause for concern.
As far as I know, nothing happened. He came off fine. I didn’t see him walk off, but I saw him in the dressing room. As far as I know, there’s nothing. I’ll ask the medical staff, but they haven’t told me anything.
Despite playing the entire match, Messi had a relatively quiet outing, registering neither a goal nor an assist. His swift exit down the tunnel at full-time sparked fresh rumours of another possible knock.
It has been a stop-start season for the Argentine superstar, who has already sat out three matches due to injury. He also missed Argentina’s most recent international fixtures last month with a minor issue. Mascherano will be hoping his captain remains available, especially with the crucial first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final coming up this Thursday against Vancouver.
He has scored eight goals and provided 2 assists in 11 games this season so far.
