Javier Mascherano plays down Lionel Messi fitness fears by claiming 'Sometimes players touch themselves'

Lionel Messi will be fit to face Porto in Inter Miami's second game at the FIFA Club World Cup despite fears over an injury for the Argentine icon.  

There had been some concern over the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner following footage on social media showing the 37-year-old clutching his left leg during training and appearing to be in some pain. 

However, ahead of the game in Atlanta on Thursday, Miami boss Javier Mascherano has quashed any notion that his talisman won't be ready to play against the Portuguese side. 

“On the trip from Miami to Atlanta I saw that came out in some places, but Leo is fit, he trained, he completed the whole session" Mascherano told the media after the video appeared as Miami left their Florida base for game. 

"He was touching his leg, sometimes people touch themselves, but there's no problem, he's fit and obviously he will play.”

Miami heads into the game looking to secure their first win of the tournament, following the goalless draw with Al Ahly that opened the Club World Cup on Saturday. They'll need to take at least a point against Porto to have any chance of making the knockout stage. 

The side should be boosted by the return of Jordi Alba, who missed their opening fixture, as Mascherano looks to get more players into his team who are comfortable on the ball.

Adding, “We have players who feel much more comfortable when they're in possession, dominating, and having control of the game through the ball.

"Of course, we're facing a team that also is used to doing that, who are a high level side.

"But on the pitch we're 11 against 11, we'll try to shut down their strengths, expose their weaknesses, and try to have a great game to get a good result.”

After Porto, Inter Miami will complete their group round when they play Palmeiras next week back home at the city's Hard Rock Stadium. 

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