The MLS season is entering a crucial stretch, where every winâor stumbleâcan significantly impact a teamâs trajectory. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, remains one of the Eastern Conferenceâs top playoff contenders. A win tonight in the rivalry matchup against Orlando City could provide a major boost in momentum for the South Florida side.
Currently sitting in fifth place, Javier Mascheranoâs squad still has games in handâa key advantage in the playoff race. A win tonight would lift the Herons to 45 points, allowing them to leapfrog Columbus Crew in the standings.
This wonât be just another game. Both teams understand that this is one of those matchups where you have to leave it all on the field to walk away with three points. The big question: can the visitors finally come away with a win at Inter&Co Stadium?
Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami tonight?
In a match where Inter Miami could have held a slight edge by fielding all of their stars, unfortunately for them, Lionel Messi has officially been ruled out. The Argentine superstar will not see any action in tonightâs rivalry clash.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF goes down injured during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Club Necaxa at Chase Stadium on August 2, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The news was confirmed by head coach Javier Mascherano in a press interview, where he stated that playing his captain at this stage would be too risky given the injury Messi sustained a few days ago.
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Whatâs the nature of Messiâs injury?
Lionel Messi sustained a minor muscle injury in his right leg during a Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2nd. Inter Miami has not provided a definitive timeline for his return, stating that his availability will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.
Whatâs next for Inter Miami?
Even with the uncertainty of when Messi will be able to rejoin his teammates on the field, these are the upcoming matches that the Herons will face in the short term:
- vs Los Angeles Galaxy, August 16th (MLS Regular Season)
- vs Tigres, August 20th (Leagues Cup)
- @ D.C. United, August 23rd (MLS Regular Season)
- vs Chicago, August 30th (MLS Regular Season)
- @ Charlotte, September 13th (MLS Regular Season)
