Inter Miami are set to face D.C. United on Saturday in Matchday 29 of the 2025 MLS season after securing a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals. With the focus shifting back to climbing the league table, the Herons have been hit with another setback as a second star apart from Lionel Messi will be sidelined.
Messi was already ruled out of Wednesday’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL, where Inter Miami pulled off a 2-1 victory at Chase Stadium. But during the match, the team suffered another blow as a key veteran picked up an injury, leaving Javier Mascherano with more problems to solve.
Inter Miami will be without left back Jordi Alba for the MLS clash against D.C. United. The Spanish defender picked up a knee injury against Tigres, and on Friday head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Alba will miss out, joining Messi on the sidelines this weekend.
In the first half on Wednesday, Alba collided knees with teammate Telasco Segovia and was visibly in discomfort. Despite the knock, he continued briefly to allow teammates time to warm up, but he was ultimately forced off early in the second half, replaced by Noah Allen in the 47th minute.
Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF receives medical attention during the Leagues Cup Quarter-final between Inter Miami CF and Tigres UANL.
With Mascherano sent off during the Tigres match, assistant coach Javier Morales addressed Alba’s condition after the final whistle. “Regarding Jordi, we don’t have the official report from the doctor, but as far as I understand, it was a knock to the knee,” Morales told reporters.
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With both Messi and Alba unavailable, Inter Miami will be without two of their most influential players for the visit to D.C. United, who sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 20 points. The Herons are expected to rest both stars in hopes of having them back for the Florida derby against Orlando City.
Orlando have dominated this rivalry in 2025, winning both previous meetings by emphatic scorelines (3-0 and 4-1). With Alba and Messi missing training on Friday, Inter Miami’s coaching staff are targeting their recovery for the Leagues Cup semifinal next Wednesday, where a place in the final will be on the line.
