Lionel Messi will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s highly anticipated Major League Soccer showdown against Florida rivals Orlando this Sunday. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Saturday that the superstar is still in recovery mode from a “minor” muscle injury.
“Mascherano confirmed, ‘No, Leo will not be available tomorrow.'” He’s doing well, but it would be reckless to consider bringing him to Orlando with everything that’s on the horizon.
“The outlook is positive as we anticipate his swift return to the team.”
Following their intense showdown in the Florida Derby against Orlando, Inter is set to welcome the LA Galaxy on August 16. Just three days later, they will face off in a high-stakes Leagues Cup quarter-final against Mexico’s Tigres UANL.
In a surprising turn of events, Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was sidelined for the club’s final Leagues Cup group stage match. The superstar sustained a “minor muscle injury” in his upper right leg during Miami’s victory against Necaxa on August 2.
Inter find themselves in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Philadelphia by eight points while holding a narrow lead of one point over Orlando, all with three matches still to play.
In a thrilling turn of events, Miami has found new energy following the arrival of Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul. He made an immediate impact by netting his first goal for the Herons, leading the team to a decisive 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM, securing their spot in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.
