Inter Miami is still feeling the effects of the extreme cold following their victory against Sporting Kansas City in the Concachampions. Their coach, Javier Mascherano, confirmed that some players are still recovering after playing in harsh -15 degrees Celsius conditions last Wednesday.

"Not everyone is available for tomorrow, but I won’t say who. Most of the guys are, but we are just 48 hours removed from the match in Kansas, and everyone saw the conditions we played in," Mascherano explained during the press conference ahead of their MLS 2025 debut against New York City.

The Argentine coach emphasized that due to the intensity of the match and the extreme weather, the team has had to be cautious with the recovery process. "It also requires waiting a bit longer for the players, as it was an unprecedented situation for everyone," he added.

Despite the challenges, Inter Miami secured a crucial 1-0 win in Kansas thanks to a goal from Lionel Messi, giving them an advantage for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. However, Mascherano made it clear that the focus is now on their upcoming league match. "We take it game by game, we’re not going to speculate," he stated.

The coach also acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad before the MLS transfer window closes in April. "To compete for titles, you need a very strong squad. A starting eleven is not enough. We want strong internal competition so that everyone raises their level," he pointed out.

Mascherano, who has been at the helm of Inter Miami for a month and a half, praised the attitude of his players, including stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. "We are doing well, happy. The players have made things easy for us with their willingness and commitment," he concluded.