Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are fully fit ahead of the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 against Nashville SC on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium.
Mascherano stated that both players are in perfect condition for the decisive match, offering a boost to Inter Miami as the club looks to advance in regional competition. His remarks indicate that neither Messi nor De Paul is dealing with any physical setbacks significant enough to limit their availability for the fixture.
Messi’s status had been a point of attention given his importance to Inter Miami’s attack and his influence in high-stakes knockout competitions. By confirming the Argentina captain is ready, Mascherano signaled that the team expects to rely on Messi’s creativity, vision, and goal threat in the home leg.
De Paul’s readiness is also notable, as the midfielder’s energy and work rate are central to balancing the team in and out of possession. Mascherano’s confidence in De Paul’s condition suggests Inter Miami anticipates having its key midfield structure intact against Nashville.
The second leg at Chase Stadium comes with progression in the Concacaf Champions Cup at stake, raising the significance of having a full-strength squad available. Mascherano’s comments underscore that, from a physical standpoint, Inter Miami’s leading figures are prepared for the challenge.
While Mascherano did not provide extended detail on training loads or minutes management, his clear assertion that both Messi and De Paul are in perfect condition frames them as ready to contribute as needed. The confirmation sets expectations that they will be involved prominently as Inter Miami seeks to make the most of home advantage against Nashville SC in the knockout tie.
With the coach’s update on player fitness, attention now turns to how Inter Miami will line up and approach the second leg, and how Messi and De Paul will be integrated into Mascherano’s tactical plans for the match at Chase Stadium.
