Lionel Messi could lose key Inter Miami teammate to injury amid grueling stretch of matches

Inter Miami have picked up their second straight win since returning from the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 behind another stellar performance from Lionel Messi, who netted a brace. The international competition appears to have reignited an Inter Miami side that had previously slipped to sixth place in the East. With six points earned from their last two matches, Inter Miami have now climbed into fifth.

However, the road ahead gets tougher. Inter Miami face a demanding stretch of matches that could significantly impact their playoff positioning. On Saturday, July 12, they’ll take on second-place Nashville SC, followed by a clash with first-place FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 16.

That makes the potential absence of starting goalkeeper Oscar Ustari all the more concerning. Ustari, who impressed during the Club World Cup and made crucial saves against the Revolution, is still recovering from shoulder surgery. He played the second half of Wednesday’s match with visible discomfort in his right arm after taking a hit to the shoulder.

Head coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the issue after the match, expressing concern over Ustari’s availability. “He was able to finish the game, though with some discomfort. It doesn’t appear to be a serious injury, but we’ll have to see in the coming days. We’re running on empty,” Mascherano said.

Óscar Ustari #19 of Inter Miami CF leaves the pitch after the team’s victory in the MLS match between CF Montreal and Inter Miami. (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

If Ustari is unavailable against Nashville, Inter Miami could turn to William Yarbrough. Signed just before the Club World Cup following Drake Callender’s injury, Yarbrough hasn’t played in an official match in nearly 10 months.

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Messi’s workload also a factor

While Messi showed no signs of slowing down in his two-goal performance against New England, Inter Miami’s staff are closely monitoring his minutes. With a challenging run of matches ahead—and the Leagues Cup approaching—managing the captain’s workload will be key.

Though some expected Messi to be rested in one of Inter Miami’s first two games back from the Club World Cup, it’s now possible that he could sit out the July 19 match against the New York Red Bulls. With stronger opponents like Nashville and Cincinnati on the schedule, the club may look to keep him fresh for higher-stakes encounters.