Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami are back on league duty Saturday night, paying a visit to CF Montreal for their first MLS match since bowing out in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
After punching above their weight in a daunting group that featured Al Ahly, Palmeiras and Porto, the Herons fell 4‑0 to UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint‑Germain.
The Argentine captain went the full 90 in all four Club World Cup fixtures, sparking speculation about whether the 38‑year‑old captain would be rested at Stadium Saputo.
However, head coach Javier Mascherano put those doubts to bed in Friday’s pre‑match press conference and Lionel Messi will play from the start against CF Montreal today.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match against Palmeiras. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“We had a long week, which helped us a lot,” Mascherano told reporters in his pre-match press conference. “It allowed us to give two days of rest, especially to those who had the most minutes. Leo is available. If nothing strange happens, he will travel”.
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Mascherano reflects on Club World Cup performance
Despite the lopsided loss to PSG, Mascherano praised Inter Miami’s showing at the Club World Cup, noting how the team exceeded expectations.
“In a competition like the Club World Cup, where we were one of the weakest teams, we had a great group stage,” Mascherano said. “After that, unfortunately, we had to face the strongest opponent you can find today in world soccer”.
The head coach added that the Club World Cup experience raises the bar for his squad as they return to domestic play. “If we were clearly able to compete at that level,” Mascherano said, “there’s no excuse not to be able to compete in our domestic league”.
