Inter Miami is not taking a risk with Messi.

Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi will continue to be absent when Inter Miami faces Orlando City in Round 26 of the MLS, which will take place on the morning of August 11th.

It is still unclear how long Messi will be out of action.

“No, Leo will not be able to play,” Mascherano told ESPN . “He’s fine, but it would obviously be crazy to risk taking him to Orlando, especially with Inter Miami having so many important games ahead. We are optimistic that he will be back with the team soon.”

Messi suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg during the League Cup match against Necaxa on August 2nd, forcing him to leave the field in the 11th minute. The Argentine star's return date remains uncertain.

Messi's injury is bad news for coach Javier Mascherano, as Inter Miami is about to enter a crucial stage of the season. Leo's team will face Orlando City, before hosting LA Galaxy on August 16th, and then participating in the League Cup quarter-finals just three days later, on August 19th.

The intense schedule with a series of "big matches" meant Inter Miami didn't want to take any risks with Messi.

The demanding schedule with a series of "big matches" means Inter Miami doesn't want to take risks with Messi. Coach Mascherano's team is still fiercely competing for the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference and the League Cup title.

In the Leagues Cup quarter-finals, Inter Miami will face Tigres UANL, one of the strongest teams in Mexico currently. Inter Miami's medical team hopes Messi will be fit to play in time for the match against Tigres.

The Argentinian superstar has scored 18 goals and provided 9 assists in 18 MLS games this season. Over the past month, Messi has been in superb form, scoring or assisting in 6 of his last 7 matches, including 5 consecutive games where he scored a brace.

This has made Inter Miami more reliant on Messi, leading to Leo playing the full 90 minutes in the club's last four matches, up until the game against Necaxa. It's worth remembering that Messi has a history of muscle injuries, having missed several games since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

Source: https://znews.vn/inter-miami-khong-mao-hiem-with-messi-post1575683.html