Lionel Messi has missed Inter Miami’s last two matches after leaving just 11 minutes into the club’s Leagues Cup game against Necaxa earlier this month with a right leg muscle injury. Miami suffered a 4-1 defeat in the Florida derby against Orlando City last Sunday without their captain.
Fortunately for Inter Miami, Messi is now fully recovered, according to Mascherano, who confirmed the Argentine star will be available for Saturday’s match against LA Galaxy. “Leo is fine; in fact, he’s been training with the team since Wednesday,” Mascherano told reporters before Friday’s morning training session.
“Beyond the fact that we still have today’s training session, we believe that if nothing unusual happens, he will be called up for tomorrow’s match,” added the coach, who hopes to have a full squad ready to face the Western Conference’s bottom team.
What injury did Messi suffer at Inter Miami?
According to the official statement released by Inter Miami following the match against Necaxa, Messi sustained a minor muscle injury in his right leg. Initially, his absence was expected to last until at least the match against LA Galaxy this Saturday, but the Argentine star has fully recovered and will be available for selection.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF goes down injured during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Club Necaxa. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami has fallen slightly behind in the MLS standings, with three games in hand compared to Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia United. The gap stands at nine points, meaning wins in all three makeup matches could put them back on top.
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Before catching up on those fixtures, Inter Miami will face LA Galaxy on Saturday, August 16, where Messi is expected to return to action after missing two matches. The club’s goal is to have him ready for the Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash against Tigres UANL on Wednesday, August 20.
