‘He’s ready for 90 minutes’ - Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano confirms Lionel Messi fit to face Nashville SC in MLS Playoffs opener

Mascherano explained that the Argentine’s absence from Tuesday’s Herons training session was merely precautionary, intended to ease minor back discomfort.

“He trained on Monday but was feeling some tightness in his back, so on Tuesday we preferred that he rest rather than add more workload and risk making it worse. Yesterday, he trained normally and completed the full session with us, so with that rest, we managed to prevent the pain from increasing, nothing more,” said Mascherano. "He's ready to play 90 minutes and more." 

Mascherano's assurances mean the Herons will have their full arsenal available for a series in which the team that wins two out of three matches advances. Regardless of Friday’s result, the second game between the two teams will take place on Nov. 1, giving both sides enough time to recover from tomorrow’s clash.

Mascherano has also regained Mateo Silvetti for the series after the young player returned from representing Argentina at the U-20 World Cup, where the team finished second after losing the final to Morocco. Silvetti acknowledged he received a warm welcome when he returned to Miami. 

“They applauded me, congratulated me - I’m really happy to be back, to be here again, and now focused on what’s ahead with the team,” he said. 

Silvetti awaits his first postseason run after joining the club this summer and making three appearances. 

The tournament will also mark the final professional competition for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have both announced their retirement at the end of the season. While Busquets didn't record a goal contribution in his playoff run last year, Alba had a goal and assist in three games. Miami were upset by lower seeded Atlanta United in the 2024 postseason. 

Inter Miami will play Nashville SC in Game 1 of the first round at home on Friday.