Inter Miami’s Mascherano stresses possession key against FC Porto: Messi fit to play

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has reassured fans that Lionel Messi is fit to play against FC Porto in the upcoming Club World Cup match despite showing some discomfort during training.

"On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session," Mascherano told reporters.

Mascherano stressed that maintaining possession will be crucial for Inter Miami to counter the challenge posed by Porto, a team regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League. He highlighted the importance of controlling the ball to manage the game against a strong Portuguese side.

"Retaining possession would be the key against Portugal's Porto, regular Champions League participants who are likely to provide the MLS team with a stern test," Mascherano said.

Adding to the gravity of the challenge, Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain and former Barcelona teammate of Messi, acknowledged the difficulty of the match.

"We would be up against it at the Mercedes-Benz stadium," Busquets admitted, underscoring the high stakes and competitive nature of the fixture.

The match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will test Inter Miami's tactical discipline and Messi's readiness, with possession control seen as the tactical cornerstone to advance in the tournament.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi is fit to play against FC Porto in the Club World Cup despite minor discomfort. Mascherano emphasized possession as key to overcoming Porto, a strong Champions League side, while teammate Sergio Busquets acknowledged the challenge ahead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.