Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has addressed concerns raised by former USMNT star Taylor Twellman regarding Lionel Messi’s fitness after the Argentine forward appeared to limp off the field following the team’s 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew. Twellman, speaking as a commentator for Apple TV, noted that Messi seemed to be struggling during the last 20-25 minutes of the game and appeared to walk off with a limp.
However, Mascherano reassured reporters that, as far as he knew, there were no issues with Messi’s fitness. “He came off fine,” Mascherano said. “I didn’t see him walk off, but I saw him in the dressing room, and as far as I know, nothing happened. I’ll check with the medical staff, but they haven’t told me anything.”
Messi’s workload has been closely monitored this season due to muscle issues, but Inter Miami will need their star player fully fit as they prepare for the upcoming first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final against Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday.
