Inter Miami’s preparations for the new MLS season have been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding two of their biggest stars ahead of a blockbuster opener against Los Angeles FC. Scheduled for Saturday, February 21, the clash was designed to showcase Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min on the same field, but doubts over Messi’s fitness and Germán Berterame’s availability have clouded the Public.
The Argentine captain is nursing a muscle strain in his left hamstring, raising questions about whether he will be fit in time for the season curtain-raiser. Messi’s setback already forced the cancellation of Inter Miami’s final preseason match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, leaving fans and teammates anxious about his readiness. While the injury is not considered long-term, the timing has created concern, especially given the high-profile nature of the opener.
Adding to the complications, Inter Miami’s new $15 million signing Germán Berterame may also miss the match due to visa delays. The Mexican striker, brought in from CF Monterrey to bolster the attack alongside Messi, has impressed in preseason friendlies, scoring his first unofficial goal against Barcelona SC. However, without his work permit finalized, his official debut remains in jeopardy. Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged that administrative hurdles sometimes complicate roster availability in MLS, though he avoided directly addressing Berterame’s situation.
Despite these setbacks, Mascherano struck a professional and measured tone when assessing the team’s preseason progress. He emphasized that training loads had been built up successfully and that all players had gained valuable minutes to reach match fitness. “Overall, we’ve had a good preseason… now comes the most important part, competition,” he said, signaling confidence in the squad’s readiness despite the challenges.
The opener itself carries historic significance. To accommodate the expected demand, LAFC moved the game from BMO Stadium to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue capable of hosting 77,000 fans. It marks the first time LAFC has relocated a home fixture, underscoring the magnitude of Messi and Son sharing the spotlight.
While Inter Miami faces cautious uncertainty over their lineup, the anticipation surrounding the clash remains exciting. For Mascherano and his squad, the task is to balance preparation with patience, ensuring that when the whistle blows, they are ready to seize the opportunity in one of the most anticipated MLS openers in recent memory.
