Inter Miami Announce Lionel Messi News Before Charlotte FC Game

The players are back from international duty, and Lionel Messi just had one of the most emotionally intense games of his career with Argentina. Now back in Miami to finish the MLS season—and hopefully push for the playoffs—manager Javier Mascherano has confirmed Messi’s health status ahead of the road game against Charlotte FC.

Messi has been dealing with a minor muscle injury in his right leg since coming off during the match against Necaxa in the second round of the Leagues Cup. After more than a month of recovery, training separately from the squad, and making appearances off the bench, he is now fully ready to face Charlotte FC.

"Leo Messi is doing well and trained with us all week," Mascherano said after the training session.

Mascherano told the press before the trip to Charlotte that Messi trained all week with Inter Miami and will be available for the game, with no restrictions mentioned. With Argentina, Lionel Scaloni also avoided playing Messi for the full 90 minutes in his last outing for the national team against Venezuela.

On the other hand, Mascherano confirmed several absences: Obando, Baltasar, Fafa Picault, and David Ruiz are all unavailable. Luis Suárez will also miss out as he serves a three-game suspension for his involvement in the Leagues Cup final incident. The matter was handled behind closed doors.