Is Lionel Messi Available For Inter Miami's League Cup Semifinal Clash? 'I Imagine He'll...'

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 08:13 IST

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's quarterfinal win over Tigres last week due to a right leg injury and also skipped their MLS draw at DC United.

Uncertainty remains over Lionel Messi's availability. (AP Photo)

Lionel Messi’s availability for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City will be determined on game day after the Argentine star participated in training with his teammates, the MLS squad announced on Tuesday. Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales mentioned that the Herons will monitor both Messi and Jordi Alba before making a decision on their participation in Wednesday’s home clash against Orlando City.

“Jordi and Leo trained with us, they completed training. We’ll see how they feel as the day progresses, and tomorrow we’ll make a decision," Morales stated.

Morales described Messi completing his training session as “super positive" and added, “I imagine he’ll be in the squad at least."

The winner of the Miami-Orlando match will face the victor of Wednesday’s other semifinal between reigning MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s title game, which features MLS and Mexican league clubs.

Messi, 38, propelled Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title in his early days in South Florida.

However, Messi missed Miami’s quarter-final win over Tigres last week due to a “minor" right leg muscle injury and did not play in Miami’s MLS draw at DC United on Saturday.

Alba sustained a knee injury and left the match in the second half against Tigres, but both he and Messi participated in practice with teammates on Monday and Tuesday. Messi last played for the Herons as a substitute against the Galaxy on August 16, scoring one goal and assisting another in Miami’s victory.

“Whether Messi is or is not playing, I feel like we’ll have the same mentality — just to go out there and be the best and try and win," Orlando defender Alex Freeman said.

One certain absentee for the Orlando-Miami game is Inter head coach Javier Mascherano, who received a red card in the match against Tigres. Orlando have won both matches against Miami this season by a combined 7-1 margin, including a 4-1 thrashing earlier this month.

“We know there’s a different setting prior to this match," Orlando coach Oscar Pareja said. “But we have the same energy, the same strength, the same desire that has always characterised us in previous derbies."

Morales said: “It’s probably the most important clasico that we’re going to play so far."

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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Miami (USA)

First Published:

August 27, 2025, 08:13 IST

News sports Is Lionel Messi Available For Inter Miami's League Cup Semifinal Clash? 'I Imagine He'll...'

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