Messi to Miss Inter Miami’s MLS Clash with Orlando

Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture against Florida rivals Orlando on Sunday, as he continues to recover from a “minor” muscle injury, confirmed coach Javier Mascherano on Saturday.

Mascherano stated, “No, Leo will not be available tomorrow. He is fine, but obviously it would be crazy to risk taking him to Orlando because of all that is ahead.”

“We are optimistic that he will soon return with us,” he added.

Following the Florida Derby clash with Orlando, Inter Miami will host the LA Galaxy on 16 August, followed by a Leagues Cup quarter-final against Mexico’s Tigres UANL three days later.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, missed Inter Miami’s last Leagues Cup group stage match after sustaining the “minor muscle injury” during Miami’s 3-2 win over Necaxa on 2 August.

Inter Miami currently sit fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, eight points adrift of leaders Philadelphia Union, and one point ahead of Orlando City — with three matches in hand.

Despite the setback of Messi’s injury, Inter Miami have been encouraged by the arrival of his Argentine compatriot Rodrigo De Paul. De Paul scored his first goal for the Herons in a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM, a result that secured Inter Miami’s place in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.