Inter Miami, fresh off their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, now face another demanding stretch with matches in both Major League Soccer and the Leagues Cup. With a congested schedule ahead, Lionel Messi has received a major boost as three teammates return from injury.
Squad depth has been a recurring concern for head coach Javier Mascherano, who has often faced a shortened bench compared to Inter Miami’s rivals. After a rest day on Thursday following the team’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlas, Messi and company welcomed back some familiar faces during Friday’s training session.
Allen Obando, Baltasar Rodríguez, and David Ruiz have all recovered from their respective injuries and are now available for selection. The trio completed Friday’s session ahead of the upcoming clash against Necaxa and are expected to be available off the bench.
David Ruiz, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has seen limited minutes this season due to persistent muscle issues. The Honduran midfielder featured in just six games in March and has been sidelined ever since.
Obando and Rodríguez, both brought in to strengthen the squad earlier this year, were also hampered by injuries. With only Luis Suarez, Messi, and Fafa Picault as attacking options in recent weeks, the return of Obando adds depth up front, while Rodriguez’s availability bolsters the midfield — providing a much-needed lift for Mascherano’s squad.
Callender and Ustari still sidelined
Despite the return of Obando, Rodríguez, and Ruiz, Inter Miami’s injury issues are far from over, particularly in goal. Starting goalkeeper Drake Callender and backup Oscar Ustari both missed Friday’s training and remain unavailable.
Mascherano addressed their status during his press conference, starting with a cautious update on Callender: “Drake experienced discomfort from the same issue he’s been dealing with all season. He couldn’t train today — he showed up in pain — but I wouldn’t be able to explain exactly what kind of discomfort it is, that’s for the medical staff. Still, it prevented him from training normally. He had completed a few sessions with the group, but we’re managing the situation as best we can.”
He then offered a more optimistic report on Ustari, though the Argentine keeper still won’t be ready in time for the next match: “Oscar is doing much better. He’s already started specific work with the goalkeeping coach, but he’s not available for this match.” With both goalkeepers sidelined, Rocco Rios Novo is expected to continue as the starter — a role he’s handled in recent matches.