“Messi Cleared for Porto as Inter Miami Dismiss Fitness Concerns”
IIE DIGITAL DESK : June 19, 2025 — Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has allayed growing concerns over Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of their crucial Club World Cup clash with FC Porto. Messi was spotted touching his left leg during Wednesday’s training, but Mascherano insisted he is in good shape and ready to play against the Portuguese champions this Thursday at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Video footage showed Messi occasionally clutching his iconic left leg during a light training session in Fort Lauderdale. Initial speculation suggested he might be nursing a lingering muscle issue as the squad traveled to Atlanta. However, Mascherano emphasized that such gestures are commonplace: “Sometimes players touch themselves,” he stated, noting, “He was touching his leg… but there’s no problem, he’s fit and obviously he will play tomorrow” .
Inter Miami opened the tournament with a 0–0 draw against Al Ahly in Miami’s debut at this expanded Club World Cup. The draw kept their hopes alive in a tightly contested Group A, but progression now hinges on a positive outcome against Porto.
Messi's presence is pivotal. Mascherano described the match against Porto as a litmus test for his side: “We have players who feel much more comfortable when they're in possession… we'll try to shut down their strengths”. His midfield shield, Sergio Busquets, echoed the sentiment, noting the team needs discipline and cohesion to overcome “a very high-level side”.
Messi’s season with Inter Miami has been exemplary: he has notched multiple records, including most assists in a single MLS game, and led the team to a Supporters’ Shield victory . Despite occasional minor knocks—such as his left ankle issue in May—he has consistently avoided prolonged sidelining.
After the Al Ahly opener, Mascherano reassured that Messi completed a full training session and was fit for the upcoming Porto fixture, even as Jordi Alba returns from injury .
Porto, also held to a draw in their opener, bring Champions League pedigree and tactical organization to Atlanta. Their defensive solidity and ability to grind results pose a significant challenge for Miami, which must leverage Messi's creativity and the returning Alba’s width.
With Messi cleared to play, Inter Miami heads into the Porto match with renewed confidence. The team’s fate now hinges on whether their talisman can tilt a tightly balanced Group A in their favor—and whether Mascherano’s defense can withstand Porto’s top-level threat.
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