Messi Cleared for Inter Miami's Highly Anticipated MLS Season Opener Against LAFC

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Messi Cleared for Inter Miami's Highly Anticipated MLS Season Opener Against LAFC

The football world can breathe a collective sigh of relief as Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano has officially confirmed that superstar Lionel Messi is fit and available for selection in the club's momentous 2026 Major League Soccer season opener. The reigning MLS champions are set to kick off their campaign on Saturday night against a formidable Los Angeles FC side, a fixture already generating immense buzz and anticipation across the league. Messi's readiness dispels earlier concerns regarding a muscle strain, ensuring his presence on the pitch for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.

Mascherano addressed the media on Friday, providing a reassuring update on the Argentine maestro's condition. "Messi is fine; he's been training at the same level as the rest of the team all week," the coach stated, quelling speculation that had mounted since his recent injury scare. "He's been doing well and has had very positive feelings. So, he's going away well prepared, just like the rest of the team." This confirmation is a significant boost for Inter Miami, who rely heavily on Messi's unparalleled skill and leadership as they embark on a season with heightened expectations, aiming to defend their MLS Cup title.

The forward's participation had been cast into doubt following a left hamstring muscle strain sustained during a preseason friendly against Barcelona SC on February 7. Although Messi started that match, he was prudently withdrawn in the 58th minute, taking a precautionary seat on the sidelines. The club demonstrated its commitment to Messi's full recovery by subsequently rescheduling a crucial preseason friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico from February 13 to February 26, allowing the star ample time to recuperate and return to peak physical condition. His diligent rehabilitation efforts have paid off, with Messi seamlessly rejoining full squad training sessions, signaling his complete recovery and readiness for competitive action.

The Inter Miami squad traveling to California for this pivotal opening match is reportedly at full strength. Coach Mascherano underscored this point, emphasizing that "all players who traveled with the team" will be available for selection. This includes key new acquisitions expected to bolster the squad, such as newly signed Designated Player Germán Berterame, whose attacking prowess will be vital, and Tadeo Allende, who has solidified his position as a permanent figure within the Inter Miami setup. The depth and quality of the squad underscore Inter Miami's ambition not just for the MLS season, but for multiple competitions.

Facing Los Angeles FC, a team widely regarded as one of the league's elite, presents an immediate and rigorous test for the champions. Mascherano acknowledged the challenge, admitting that the team anticipates a difficult game given the high caliber of players on both sides of the field. "It's clear, though, that they are two great teams, and of course, given the caliber of their players and what they represent in the league, they are two teams that, on paper, should be contenders," he remarked, setting the stage for a clash of titans.

The coach further elaborated on his tactical vision for such a high-stakes encounter. While acknowledging LAFC's strengths, particularly their ability to transition quickly, Mascherano outlined his team's preferred approach. "You always imagine the ideal game, and the ideal game for us would be the complete opposite of that, a back-and-forth affair. It would be about controlling the game, having long spells of possession, and preventing Los Angeles from making transitions because they need to get forward quickly." This strategic insight highlights Inter Miami's intent to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, neutralizing LAFC's rapid counter-attacking threats.

Inter Miami enters the 2026 campaign riding high on the success of the previous season, having magnificently lifted the 2025 MLS Cup after a triumphant victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. This historic achievement has propelled the club into a new era of prominence and expectation. Beyond the MLS regular season, the team is slated to compete in several prestigious continental and domestic competitions, including the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the Campeones Cup. The breadth of their competitive calendar underscores the club's ambition to establish itself as a dominant force not only in North America but also on the wider continental stage. With Messi leading the charge and a strengthened squad, Inter Miami is poised for another thrilling and potentially trophy-laden season, starting with this crucial opener against Los Angeles FC.

Ekhbary News Agency