'He’ll be in the squad' - Javier Mascherano confirms Lionel Messi’s return from injury to face LA Galaxy

Lionel Messi completed his third consecutive full training session with his teammates and will be included in Javier Mascherano’s squad for Saturday’s MLS clash between Inter Miami and LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium, the coach confirmed Friday morning in a press conference.

"Leo is fine, he’s been training with the team since Wednesday - you’ve seen him yourselves - and we believe he’ll be in the squad for tomorrow’s match," Mascherano stated.

Miami's record since Messi suffered an injury on Aug. 2 is 2-1-2 (W-T-L), so this is a big boost for Mascherano's side. Messi has 18 goals and nine assists in 18 MLS appearances this season. 

Inter Miami also welcomed back Rodrigo De Paul on Friday after the midfielder missed the entire week of training due to visa issues, meaning the Herons will be able to field their key stars. Messi, De Paul, and Luis Suárez all trained without issues and will aim to return to winning ways after last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Orlando City. 

Regarding doubts over whether De Paul would make the squad after missing several days of training, Mascherano confirmed the midfielder "will be there — the visa issue took a bit longer, but he’s in the squad for tomorrow."

The Herons will host LA Galaxy on Saturday before facing Tigres on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.