Inter Miami will look to maintain their undefeated record so far in 2025. Lionel Messi’s team faces the Philadelphia Union. Javier Mascherano has managed to create a very competitive team, especially defensively. There they suffered constantly in previous seasons. Right now, it is one of their strongest lines. Although they are in a very good shape, the presence of Lionel Messi is the most resounding doubt among the fans, as he was absent from the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying round with the Argentina national team.
On Friday, March 28, Javier Mascherano held a press conference where he shared key updates on Lionel Messi’s health status. “We have been taking it progressively. Leo is a very special player in that sense, a player who sometimes has to be restrained so that he does not take risks, but he also knows his body very well and the reality is that he has been training progressively more and more, he has already joined in some training sessions together with us and today if God wills he will do all the work.”
Javier Mascherano also said that Lionel Messi will definitely be among the options to face the Philadelphia Union. However, he will not be in the starting lineup. Even if Mascherano has not confirmed the reason, it can be a way to control his injury to avoid a relapse on his injury. It does not mean that Messi will not have playing time, as he can still get some minutes from the bench.
Inter Miami has not lost to the Philadelphia Union since June 24, 2023. The stats clearly favor them. The team also added more depth to its game. Telasco Segovia, Fabrice Picault, and Benjamin Cremaschi have stepped up as key contributors. Still, the Philadelphia Union lead the Eastern Conference. They have proven to be a tough opponent all season long. That is why Inter Miami cannot take this match lightly.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup
With the confirmed absences of Marcelo Weigandt (Hamstring Injury) and Tadeo Allende (leg injury), Javier Mascherano must adjust his plans for the key match against the Philadelphia Union. Although Lionel Messi is still an option for the game, he will not be part of the starting XI.
Javier Mascherano could field the following XI: Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, Jordi Alba; Fernando Redondo, Sergio Busquets; Robert Taylor, Benjamin Cremaschi, Fafa Picault; Luis Suarez
What’s next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
Following their matchup against the Philadelphia Union, Inter Miami will turn its attention to the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The club will face Los Angeles FC in the first leg of the quarterfinals on April 2, with the return leg scheduled for April 9. In between those two crucial games, Inter Miami will also host Toronto FC in an MLS fixture on April 6.