Speaking to reporters in his pregame press conference, the Herons’ coach maintained it’s not yet determined whether the superstar’s fitness issues – Messi is said to be hampered by irritation from the scar tissue of an old injury in one of his leg muscles – will allow him to take part, framing it as a game-time decision they’ll make together at DRV PNK Stadium.
“We imagine that he doesn’t want to miss the very important final,” Martino said of Messi on Tuesday. “In this case, yes I will sit down with him to see what his feelings are. … Here there are three questions: first the player, then the final, and then what comes next.
« We will wait until tomorrow,” Martino added, leaving open the possibility that the Argentine icon could even start the match, though effectively ruled out Miami’s star left back, who is also dealing with muscular problems. “Jordi Alba, it’s difficult, but with Leo we will wait until the last moment to see the resolution we take.”