This Wednesday, Inter Miami have a decisive match ahead that could define their 2025 season. The Leagues Cup, along with Major League Soccer, is one of only two titles they can compete for this year. That’s why this quarterfinal clash against Tigres UANL is so important—and why Lionel Messi’s absence is even more significant.
The Argentine forward suffered a mild muscle injury during the second group-stage match of the Leagues Cup, against Necaxa. That sidelined him for the next two games, against Pumas and Orlando City. Exactly two weeks after that injury, Messi returned to action with a goal and an assist in the win over LA Galaxy, raising expectations that he would be fit to face Tigres this Wednesday.
However, Leo’s physical issues resurfaced this week. The 38-year-old star was unable to train with his teammates on Tuesday, triggering concern just days ahead of the Leagues Cup quarterfinal.
Those concerns were confirmed on Wednesday, as Lionel Messi was officially ruled out of Inter Miami’s squad to face Tigres. Head coach Javier Mascherano had no choice but to leave his top player out of the starting lineup—and even off the bench—due to ongoing physical discomfort. It’s a major blow for the Herons.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano.
How will Inter Miami replace Messi?
It’s clear that Inter Miami don’t have anyone on the roster who can truly replace Lionel Messi. That’s why, whenever the forward is unavailable, the coaching staff must adapt and reshape the lineup to fill the gap as best as possible.
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For Wednesday’s matchup against Tigres, Javier Mascherano has opted to add an extra midfielder to the starting lineup—Yannick Bright—giving Rodrigo De Paul more freedom to push forward in attack. The Herons’ starting XI is: Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Jordi Alba; Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul; Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez, Telasco Segovia.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
Wednesday’s game between Inter Miami and Tigres is the first of the Leagues Cup quarterfinal matchups. Just one hour later, Orlando City take on Toluca, while the other two semifinalists will be decided in the games between Seattle Sounders vs. Puebla and Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Pachuca.
After facing Tigres, the Herons will have just three days of rest before their next challenge. On Saturday night, they’ll travel to Audi Field to take on DC United in Matchday 30 of Major League Soccer.
