Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Lionel Messi has been training with the group over the past week to prepare for the opening MLS match at the Coliseo in Los Angeles, while Es Asi y Punto commentators debated whether Germán Bertelame or Luis Suárez should accompany Messi in attack.
Germain Berterame and the front three debate
The Spanish-language talk show Es Aci y Punto sparked a public debate over squad options, pitting Germán Bertelame and Luis Suárez over the question of who should join Messi up front against LAFC. This discussion frames Inter Miami’s immediate tactical choices as they enter their first game as defending MLS champions.
Coliseo holds popular opening match against champions
To accommodate the high demand for tickets for the match between LAFC and defending MLS champion Inter Miami, the season opener was moved to the Coliseo Memorial in Los Angeles. LAFC forward Dennis Bouanga stressed that his team must focus on their game when they host Miami, and coach Marc dos Santos called for intensity from the first moment his team started the season.
Mascherano talks about Messi’s fitness and traveling squad
Mascherano said Messi arrived ready for the match against LAFC, saying he was “in good shape and has been training with the group for a week” after injuring his left ischial tibial hamstring in a recent match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. The coach added that all the players who traveled were fit to play, dispelling any doubts about their availability for the opening game.
Messi’s recent season totals of 29 goals and 19 assists are cited as part of the context for this matchup, highlighting why this match has created such demand. Mascherano also shared a personal anecdote, having briefly played for Inter Miami in the past, and said MLS was “very competitive” and exceeded expectations, reflecting the profile of the league going into the season.
Local builds and immediate schedule
LAFC will arrive at Coliseo according to their own short schedule. The club will compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup this Tuesday and will make its MLS debut at the Coliseo on Saturday. Coach Bouanga noted the special atmosphere expected at the stadium and said the team wants to give fans a strong start to the season.
The next confirmed events are LAFC’s Concacaf Champions Cup match on Tuesday and Inter Miami’s MLS kickoff at the Coliseo on Saturday, with both coaches indicating their teams will be ready to play in these games.