⚽ Messi’s Magic Essential for Inter Miami Amid Rising Injury Crisis
Miami Gardens, FL – June 14, 2025
Inter Miami heads into its FIFA Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium, facing Egyptian champions Al‑Ahly, with a significantly depleted squad. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday that key players Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján, and Yannick Bright are unavailable for Saturday’s Group A match due to injuries
🔻 Injury Overview & Defensive Shake-Up
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Jordi Alba (left-back) is ruled out with a hamstring strain suffered during recent MLS action
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Gonzalo Luján (center-back) and Yannick Bright (defensive midfield) will also miss the clash
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David Martínez remains a fitness concern, leaving his availability uncertain .
This string of absences forces Mascherano into a makeshift backline, heightening concerns over a defense that has conceded 16 goals in its last six games
🔑 Messi: Miami’s Offensive Linchpin
With defensive frailties apparent, the spotlight naturally falls on Lionel Messi. Despite a recent precautionary substitution by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni raising minor alarm, Messi is confirmed fit and poised to spearhead Miami’s attack . Mascherano emphasized the need to craft the right atmosphere for Messi to shine and revealed proactive management of Messi’s minutes this season, including one rested match in MLS and lighter involvement in recent international duties
🔮 Group A Outlook & Tactical Expectations
Inter Miami shares Group A with Al‑Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras . Al‑Ahly’s new head coach, José Riveiro, commended Messi’s continued influence:
“He is a player who can turn the game around at every moment… His vision of the game has not changed.”
