In typical coaching fashion, Javier Mascherano has been playing the diplomatic card when it comes to Messi’s availability for the Tigres clash. During a recent press conference, he delivered the classic coach-speak that fans have learned to decode over the years. “Leo didn’t train with the group; he trained separately,” Mascherano revealed, which in football translation means “we’re panicking but trying not to show it.” He went on to add that Messi “felt uncomfortable during the 45 minutes he played” against Galaxy, which is about as reassuring as a chocolate teapot. The most telling part? Mascherano’s admission that they’re taking it “day by day” and that Messi “is not ruled out” for the match. In other words, nobody has a clue what’s going to happen, and they’re all just crossing their fingers and hoping for the best. Why This Matters More Than You Think For Inter Miami, losing Messi for their Leagues Cup quarterfinal isn’t just about missing one player—it’s about losing their entire identity. The team’s tactical approach, marketing appeal, and championship hopes all revolve around having the Argentine magician on the field. Without him, they’re essentially a very expensive MLS team with delusions of grandeur. The stakes couldn’t be higher either. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023 during Messi’s fairytale debut season, and repeating that success would validate the entire project. But trying to do it without their star player is like trying to perform magic without a wand—technically possible, but significantly more difficult. The Bigger Picture: Age Catches Everyone Let’s address the elephant in the room here. Messi is 38 years old, which in football years is basically ancient. While his skill level remains otherworldly, his body is clearly starting to send him invoices for all those years of brilliance. The fact that he’s dealing with recurring muscle issues shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone who understands basic human biology. What’s frustrating for fans is the unpredictable nature of these injuries. One minute he’s pulling off impossible passes and scoring wonder goals, the next he’s sitting in an ice bath wondering why his hamstring has declared independence. It’s the cruel reality of watching a legend navigate the final chapters of his career. The Verdict: Will He or Won’t He? As of right now, Messi’s availability for the Tigres match remains about as clear as mud. The coaching staff is clearly prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains, which is probably the smart play even if it drives fans absolutely crazy. The most likely scenario? Expect a game-time decision that will have everyone on edge until the last possible moment. Miami’s medical team will probably run every test known to modern science, consult with fortune tellers, and maybe even sacrifice a few soccer balls to the injury gods before making their final call. One thing’s for certain though—whether Messi plays or not, this injury saga has once again reminded everyone that even the greatest players in history are still human. And sometimes, being human means dealing with the inconvenient reality that bodies don’t always cooperate with our ambitious plans.