Lionel Messi out of Miami's Leagues Cup quarterfinal vs. Tigres

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Lionel Messi sat out of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup quarterfinal win over Tigres on Wednesday night due to an ongoing "minor" muscle injury.

Luis Suárez converted a pair of penalties to send Miami into the semifinals.

Lionel Messi picked up a knock during the Leagues Cup group game against Necaxa on Aug. 2, exiting the pitch in the 11th minute. The captain missed the subsequent games against Pumas UNAM and Orlando City SC.

The forward returned for Inter Miami on Saturday, coming onto the pitch as a second-half substitute against the LA Galaxy, recording one goal and one assist in 45 minutes of play. Despite the contributions, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi exited the match against the Galaxy not 100 percent comfortable, insisting the player would be monitored.

Lionel Messi trained separately from the rest of the group in the days leading up to the quarterfinal match, putting his participation in doubt. Mascherano emphasized Messi would not initially be ruled out of the game, but would be carefully observed.

"Leo didn't train with the group; he trained separately. It was a bit like the same situation I described the other day after the game, when he felt uncomfortable during those 45 minutes he played. We'll see during tomorrow's training," Mascherano said Tuesday.

"But he's not ruled out. He's not ruled out. I can't tell you today if he'll play or not. Because it depends a lot on how he feels."

Messi arrived at Chase Stadium alongside his teammates ahead of kickoff Wednesday but was dressed in street clothes.

He will now watch from the stands as Inter Miami plays without the star No. 10 in its attempt to advance past Liga MX's Tigres to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup.

The club won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023, with Lionel Messi leading Inter Miami to the trophy following his debut that July.

Messi’s absence has become a recurring concern for Inter Miami supporters, who are eager to see their captain return to full fitness. Fans in Fort Lauderdale arrived in large numbers on Wednesday, many wearing his iconic No. 10 shirt, only to be greeted with disappointment upon learning that Messi would not feature in the match. Still, the loyalty of the supporters was evident, as chants of his name filled the stadium despite his absence on the field.

The club has leaned heavily on Luis Suárez in Messi’s absence. The Uruguayan forward has stepped up impressively, taking on goal-scoring responsibilities with precision and leadership. His brace of penalties against Tigres not only secured victory but also highlighted the depth of talent that Miami possesses beyond Messi. For Mascherano, Suárez’s form is a silver lining in a situation that could have left the team struggling.

While Messi’s injury is labeled as “minor,” the cautious approach from the coaching staff suggests the team is prioritizing his long-term availability over short-term gains. With multiple competitions still on the calendar, including MLS play and the U.S. Open Cup, Miami’s management understands that overexerting Messi could risk more significant setbacks. Mascherano’s comments reinforced the importance of patience, with the club keen to avoid aggravating the injury.

Beyond the pitch, Messi’s presence has already transformed Inter Miami into a global brand. His debut season attracted international attention, sold-out stadiums, and a surge in merchandise sales. Even when sidelined, Messi continues to be the center of conversation, a testament to his unique influence in world football. This dynamic has elevated the stakes for every match, with global audiences tuning in not only to watch Inter Miami but to follow Messi’s every move.

As Inter Miami advances deeper into the Leagues Cup, the question remains: when will Messi return to action? Supporters and analysts alike speculate whether he will be ready for the semifinals, or if the club will delay his comeback until he is fully comfortable. For now, Miami must find ways to balance reliance on its superstar with the development of a cohesive unit capable of competing without him.

In the broader scope of his career, Messi has faced injuries before, but his resilience has always defined his legacy. At 37, every setback is scrutinized more closely, but his professionalism and dedication to recovery suggest he will return to deliver more magical moments. Inter Miami’s journey through this tournament, with or without him, continues to carry the hopes of fans who believe that Messi’s presence elevates the team from strong contenders to champions.