Inter Miami traveled to face D.C. United in MLS play without Lionel Messi, the team’s biggest absence on the night. But fans grew even more concerned when neither Luis Suarez nor Rodrigo De Paul appeared in the starting lineup against the Black-and-Red.
The Herons entered the match on a high note after a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy and a 2-1 victory against Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. While Messi’s injury setback remained the biggest blow, Mascherano opted to rest two more of his stars, leaving Suárez and De Paul on the bench to start against D.C. United.
Suarez and De Paul were left out of the starting XI by coach Javier Mascherano as part of a technical decision. With the Herons set to face Orlando City on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup semifinals, Mascherano opted to manage their workload. Both stars are expected to play a limited role on Saturday in order to stay fully fit for the midweek clash.
The same goes for Sergio Busquets, who’ll also begin the game on the bench. Instead of relying on the veteran trio, Mascherano rotated the squad to give more opportunities to players who haven’t seen as much action this season.
Luis Suarez #9 and Rodrigo De Paul #7 of Inter Miami CF arrive prior to the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Pumas de la UNAM.
In midfield, David Ruiz and Tomas Aviles stepped in to cover key roles, with Telasco Segovia deployed centrally behind the striker, a spot typically occupied by De Paul. Up top, Mascherano handed Tadeo Allende a start at center forward, moving him away from his usual role on the wing.
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Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami in today’s MLS match vs DC United?
Messi only played once against D.C. United
Since Inter Miami joined MLS in 2020, the Herons and D.C. United have met nine times heading into Saturday’s matchup, their 10th all-time clash. But fans of the Black-and-Red have rarely seen Lionel Messi in action, as the Argentine has featured in only one of those meetings.
Since Messi’s arrival in 2023, Inter Miami and D.C. United have squared off four times. The first two came in 2023, when the star forward was sidelined with injury. In 2024, he missed another meeting while recovering from the ankle injury he suffered in the Copa América final. Messi finally appeared in their most recent matchup, a 1-0 Inter Miami win in which Leonardo Campana scored the decisive goal.
