August 05, (THEWILL) — Inter Miami manager, Javier Mascherano, has confirmed that Lionel Messi will miss the crucial Leagues Cup encounter against Pumas UNAM due to a muscle injury sustained during the weekend. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced to leave the pitch after just 11 minutes of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Necaxa, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures. The club later announced the Argentine forward had suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg, though no specific timeline for his return has been established.
Mascherano addressed the media ahead of the Phase One finale against the Liga MX side, providing further clarity on Messi’s condition. “I spoke to him. Well, the club issued a statement that was very clear. It is a slight injury, within the bad news, it is good news,” Mascherano stated during his pre-match press conference. The manager declined to estimate a return date, noting that Messi typically recovers well and quickly from injuries, but confirmed the forward would definitely be unavailable for the Pumas UNAM match.
The absence of Inter Miami’s captain presents a significant challenge for the team, given his remarkable contribution this season with 24 goals and nine assists in 31 appearances. Messi’s influence was particularly evident in the Leagues Cup opener against Atlas, where he created both goals in a dramatic 2-1 victory. His ability to change the course of matches will be sorely missed as Inter Miami face a must-win situation to advance in the tournament.
Wednesday’s match carries considerable importance for Inter Miami’s tournament aspirations, as a defeat in regulation or a penalty shootout loss could result in elimination from the Leagues Cup knockout stage. The Herons will need to find alternative attacking solutions without their primary playmaker and goalscorer against a Pumas UNAM side that will be eager to exploit Messi’s absence. It is match a critical test of Inter Miami’s squad depth and tactical flexibility.
There was some positive news for Mascherano’s men with the confirmation that defender Maximiliano Falcón will be available after his red card against Necaxa was successfully rescinded. Inter Miami will face Pumas UNAM on Wednesday. The result will determine whether the Eastern Conference side progresses to the next stage of the competition or faces an early exit from the tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
