LIONEL Messi is expected to return from injury on Saturday night when his Inter Miami squad takes on the L.A. Galaxy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Messi missed Miami’s last two games with a mild thigh injury but returned to training on Wednesday. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday that his superstar forward will be called up for the match as long as “nothing strange happens.”
Inter Miami (12-5-6, 42 points) could use Messi’s help as they try to bounce back from one of their worst losses of the season last Sunday, routed 4-1 by Orlando City.
Miami hopes for a better outing from goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who returned from an injury against Orlando but was consistently challenged and yielded four goals. Ustari’s return prompted the club to trade longtime keeper Drake Callender this week to Charlotte FC. Callendar has played in only three games this season after returning from sports hernia surgery.
“I want to wish him all the best in this new stage. I know this year has been difficult for him due to the injuries and the surgery,” Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi said of Callander.
The Galaxy (3-15-7, 16 points), who have the fewest wins and points in MLS a year after winning the league championship, hope to build some momentum before they join Miami in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
In what’s been a difficult year overall, L.A. has surged in the tournament and coach Greg Vanney has welcomed his club having the chance to play for a trophy.
“It was what I encouraged them to do,” Vanney said after L.A.’s recent 4-0 win over Santos Laguna. “There’s one team out there tonight who was playing for something, and we wanted to see that in our energy, our intentions, and it was maybe the best first half we’ve had all season.”
Unfortunately for the Galaxy, league play has been the complete opposite.
After that lopsided win in Leagues Cup, L.A. lost to the Seattle Sounders 4-0 last Sunday. The Galaxy will be looking for their first win in an MLS game since beating D.C. United on July 12.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
