Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said the club was waiting for an update on the status of his match of the Concacaf Champions Cup in the first round in Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, which could be postponed due to extreme cold weather.
The two teams are currently planned to launch their seasons in the Continental Club competition, with the calendar return match for next week at the Inter Miami Stadium Chase. However, Kansas City will be struck by wind cooling and snow showers putting temperatures on one figure on Tuesday. It might seem as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit when the game starts at 7 p.m. local time, based for extremely severe conditions for players and any other person present.
“We know that the clubs are in talks,” said Mascherano at a press conference on Monday. “We are waiting to see if there are updates. Right now, the game is scheduled for Tuesday.”
Cold conditions inspired questions on the availability of Lionel Messi, in particular with Miami MLS opener against the New York City FC to come on Saturday. Messi’s minutes will probably be managed during the season, in particular with Miami’s participation in the World Cup of the newly expanded FIFA club in June, but Mascherano said that the 37-year-old man would be available Tuesday.
He will “play,” said Mascherano briefly on Monday, offering no other specification on the playing time he will receive.
The biggest question, however, is whether or not the game will occur as planned. The two clubs have inquired about a postponement, by Miami HeraldWith the possibility that the game can be pushed on Wednesday if the Concacaf decides that the conditions are unplayable on Tuesday. The Kansas City summit is supposed to be higher on Wednesday, against five degrees to new, although the bottom goes from -2 degrees to -10.
Sporting Leadership said on Friday that the club would be prepared for the match if it remained on the calendar.
“The cold is one thing; we will see what snow is doing,” said CEO Jake Reid, By The Kansas City Star. “We will be ready. Our concern is around safe access to fans to and since then and erase the parking lots and the walking lanes. The cold is what it is. Form upwards. Bring your blankets, Bring your hats.
Snow showers are currently in anticipation on Tuesday, but not Wednesday.
