Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has announced plans to utilize the upcoming friendly match against Independiente del Valle on Thursday evening to grant playing time to all team members, despite the team returning to Major League Soccer action just 72 hours later.
The Herons are set to play the rescheduled preseason friendly in Puerto Rico Thursday night before heading to Orlando for a match against Orlando City on Sunday.
“This match provides a great opportunity to give some playing time to guys who may not have had many minutes during the preseason or in our last game. We want to ensure everyone gets a chance to play,” Mascherano stated on Thursday morning.
“It’s essential for the entire squad to have opportunities.”
“Of course, we have to be cautious since we have a crucial game in just 72 hours. Those of us who have been with Inter Miami for a while know that regardless of wins or losses, the next match is always the most significant, and we need to focus on winning it,” he added.
The match against Independiente del Valle was initially scheduled for February 13 but was postponed due to Lionel Messi‘s hamstring strain.
“Hello everyone, I want to share this message with the people of Puerto Rico and all those attending the training session and game,” Messi expressed in a video.
“Unfortunately, I suffered a muscle strain during the last game in Ecuador, which is why I had to leave the field early. Therefore, after discussing with the organization and Inter Miami, we decided to postpone this game. We hope to reschedule and see each other soon.
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Looking forward to seeing you soon. Sending hugs and thanks for all the love you consistently show. I hope we can connect in the future. Best wishes.”
Since then, Messi has returned to play, participating fully in the team’s MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC on February 21.
Mascherano reiterated that he aims to use the friendly in Puerto Rico as preparation for the upcoming game against Orlando City.
“We’re hoping to use today’s match, even though it’s a friendly, to evaluate different aspects and see players who might not have had much playing time till now, so we can prepare for the Sunday match,” he remarked.
However, Mateo Silvetti is currently the only player mentioned by Mascherano whose participation is uncertain due to a strain he suffered over a week ago. The coach confirmed the team would assess his condition before deciding on his availability for the match against Independiente del Valle.