"Our idea is to give all the players, including Messi, as many minutes as possible in the training matches," coach Mascherano confirmed on February 1, before the training session to prepare for Inter Miami's next match against Sporting San Miguelito in Panama at 5am on February 3.
Coach Mascherano still wants Messi to play, instead of resting as rumored
Before that, Messi played about 65 minutes in the first training match against Club America (Mexico) on January 19. Then, he played about 72 minutes in the match against Universitario in Peru on January 30. In these two matches, Messi contributed 1 goal, but his form and fitness are still not at their best. Similarly, the remaining famous players such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez have not yet found their familiar playing rhythm.
"We are still in the preparation phase. Inter Miami has many new players at this stage, some of whom are still completing the procedures for applying for work visas in the US and have not yet trained. Therefore, we have to be patient and carry out the plan step by step. We are still in the transfer market, I believe that there will be at least one more addition signed in the near future," coach Mascherano added.
According to the American press, Inter Miami is negotiating to recruit 1 to 2 more players, with priority given to the defensive position, including 27-year-old Uruguayan center-back Maximiliano Falcon for a fee of about 1 million USD from Colo Colo Club in the Chilean National Championship.
They are also looking to sign midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez from Racing Club, a member of Argentina's U.23 team. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of this week, or early next week at the latest, according to the Miami Herald (USA).
Coach Mascherano's confirmation that Messi will join the tour in Panama is also causing a huge stir here with many fans eagerly awaiting the Argentine star, similar to what just happened in Peru with 80,000 spectators coming to watch the match.
Messi and Jordi Alba, as well as Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, all participated in Inter Miami's full training camp
The match between Inter Miami and Sporting San Miguelito at the 32,000-seat Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama is also currently sold out.
This is the third pre-season match that Messi and his teammates have created a ticket fever. The match against Club America in Las Vegas was announced by the organizers to have 45,262 spectators. Meanwhile, the match against Universitario in Peru had a confirmed attendance of 80,000 people.
After the match against Sporting San Miguelito, Messi and his teammates will have another match abroad against Olimpia in Honduras at 8am on February 9.
Inter Miami then returns to Florida to face crosstown rivals Orlando City SC in a friendly match that promises to be dramatic at Raymond James Stadium, which can accommodate up to 75,000 spectators. This match will take place at 7:30 a.m. on February 15 (Vietnam time).
Inter Miami will play Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round 1 at 8 a.m. on February 19.
According to coach Mascherano, he hopes Messi and his teammates will reach their best form and fitness before entering the first official matches, and start the 2025 MLS season with a home match against New York City FC at 2:30 a.m. on February 23.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-mascherano-xac-nhan-tinh-trang-cua-messi-cdv-panama-len-con-sot-185250201105622985.htm
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