Javier Mascherano has been waiting for this moment since taking the managerial role at Inter Miami following the 2024 MLS season.
The Argentine manager has coaching experience at the international level but he is making his maiden club coaching voyage.
Inter Miami have a busy pre-season schedule which will test some of the new signings out.
The Herons have brought in midfielder Telasco Segovia in recent days, although it remains to be seen if he will feature in the game.
Getting to know Club America
Mascherano will lead his Inter Miami side into battle against a challenging Club America side.
The Mexican side who play in the Liga MX have played two games in their league season so far and are currently unbeaten.
They have won one and drawn another, and are the record-holding Mexican league winners with 16 titles.
Club America’s danger man
Spanish midfielder Alvaro Fidaglo has been a quality edition since signing from Castellon in Spain.
The 27-year-old has seen his market value increase rapidly since joining the Mexican outfit in 2021.
Fidago has played 180 games for his side and has added 12 goals and 27 assists in that time, he is known for pulling the strings in midfield and Sergio Busquets will certainly face a battle against his countryman.
Mascherano will be hoping that his new defensive signing of Gonzalo Lujan can keep the midfielder from having an impact.
Inter Miami team news
It is unknown how much game time Lionel Messi will receive but he and the former Barcelona boys of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have all travelled for the Club America test.
Messi is yet to sign a new contract with the Herons but it is believed that talks will be positive.
Miami will also have absentees in goal and midfield, with Drake Callender’s injury and Benjamin Cremaschi’s USMNT call-up meaning both will be unavailable for the Club America game.
While the game may come too early for the likes of Telasco expect to see Fafa Picault take the field following his arrival early in the window. Celta Vigo striker Tadeo Allende, who joined on loan is also likely to get some strong game time.
- Read more: Mexican international sends message to Inter Miami ahead of Club America pre-season clash
When and where the Club America clash
Inter Miami’s pre-season clash with Club America is scheduled for a 10 pm ET/7 pm PT kick-off on Saturday, Jan 18.
The match will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Allegiant Stadium and will be available to watch via Apple TV