Ahead of Club World Cup match, Mascherano confirms Messi and Alba status

Inter Miami CF coach Javier Mascherano announced that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are ready to play in the second Club World Cup group match against FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Alba — who was absent for about three weeks due to a hamstring injury against Montreal — has rejoined team training sessions this week. “The only player who will be available for us who wasn’t in the last match is Jordi Alba,” said Mascherano.

“We will evaluate what is better if he starts or comes on as a substitute. We know, but I won’t tell you,” added the Inter Miami coach.

Mascherano confirmed that Messi has trained well after the opening match that ended 0-0 against Al Ahly. Meanwhile, Yannick Bright, Gonzalo Luján, and David Ruiz are still unable to play.

“The reality is that we’re focused on tomorrow’s match. It’s a match that every player on our team wants to play because you’re facing and testing yourself against an opponent that plays in Europe, plays in the Champions League, that plays in important competitions,” explained Mascherano.

Inter Miami will conclude the tournament’s group phase against Palmeiras in Miami on Monday.