Inter Miami faced Liga MX side Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday night without star forward Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to a “minor” muscle injury. Despite his absence, Miami advanced to the semifinals after Luis Suárez converted two penalties, securing victory for the MLS club.
According to reports, Messi sustained the injury during Inter Miami’s group-stage match against Necaxa on August 2, leaving the pitch in the 11th minute.
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The forward subsequently missed games against Pumas UNAM and Orlando City SC. He returned as a second-half substitute against LA Galaxy, scoring one goal and assisting another in 45 minutes of play, though head coach Javier Mascherano noted that Messi was still not fully comfortable on the pitch.
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“Leo didn’t train with the group; he trained separately. It was a bit like the same situation I described the other day after the game, when he felt uncomfortable during those 45 minutes he played. We’ll see during tomorrow’s training,” Mascherano said ahead of the quarterfinal. He added that Messi would not be ruled out entirely, emphasizing careful monitoring depending on the player’s condition.
Messi arrived at Chase Stadium alongside his teammates but dressed in street clothes, highlighting his inability to participate in the game. Fans watched from the stands as the Argentine star supported his team, while Miami secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
The club, led by Messi, won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023, with the superstar playing a pivotal role in securing the trophy. His absence in Wednesday’s match sparked concerns over his fitness for upcoming crucial fixtures, but Mascherano reassured fans that Messi’s condition would be carefully managed to prevent further injury.
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