Inter Miami host Pumas UNAM for their third match of the 2025 Leagues Cup Phase One, but all the attention is on Lionel Messi, who was subbed off in the previous game. Here’s what you need to know about his status.
Inter Miami wrap up the 2025 Leagues Cup Phase One with a clash against Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium tonight at 7:30 PM ET. However, Javier Mascherano’s side will have to face the challenge without Lionel Messi.
Mascherano confirmed during a press conference yesterday that Messi won’t be available after suffering a minor muscle injury in his right leg during the match against Necaxa on Saturday. The World Cup champion was treated on the pitch but was ultimately subbed off just ten minutes into the match.
“Clearly, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s match,” Mascherano said in Spanish. “It’s a minor injury. Considering the circumstances, it’s actually good news. We don’t like it, especially in Leo’s case, because we know the attention that always surrounds him whenever he misses a match,” he explained.
Neither the club nor Mascherano provided a timeline for Messi’s recovery. However, the coach said the 38-year-old is “a pretty unique player who tends to recover well from injuries and usually does so quickly. So, we’ll monitor his progress through the different tests.”
Prior to picking up the injury, Messi impressed in his Leagues Cup debut match against Atlas, where he set up both of Miami’s goals in a 2–1 victory. Before, Messi didn’t play for the MLS due to a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game.
Inter Miami can clinch a spot in knockout rounds
Following their 5–4 penalty shootout win over Necaxa after a 2–2 draw, Inter Miami could secure a spot in the knockout rounds tonight. With a regulation-time win over Pumas UNAM, the Herons would book their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Any other result wouldn’t eliminate them yet, but their fate would depend on the outcomes of Matchday 3 games across the Leagues Cup. As of now, Inter Miami sit third in the MLS Leagues Cup Phase One standings with five points after Matchday 2.
From: bolavip.com