Will Messi Play vs Tigres? Inter Miami Sweating Over Star’s Fitness Before Quarterfinal

Lionel Messi’s availability for Inter Miami’s big clash against Tigres in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinal remains uncertain. The Argentine star has been struggling with muscle discomfort and even skipped the team’s latest training session.

Head coach Javier Mascherano has not confirmed whether Messi will take the field, choosing instead to wait until the very last moment before making a decision. The match will also see an exciting reunion between World Cup winners Rodrigo De Paul and Ángel Correa, both former Atlético Madrid teammates, adding more spice to the fixture.

Inter Miami come into this quarterfinal after mixed results — a defeat to Orlando followed by a strong 3-1 win against LA Galaxy, where Messi made his return to the pitch. The club is chasing just its second trophy in history, and Messi’s presence could be crucial in that pursuit.

Tigres, on the other hand, are aiming for their maiden Leagues Cup title. They head into the tie after a 3-1 defeat to América in Liga MX but remain a strong opponent with plenty of experience in big games.

Both squads feature star-studded lineups. Inter Miami could field Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, and possibly Messi, while Tigres are expected to rely on names like Nahuel Guzmán, Javier Aquino, Juan Brunetta, Diego Lainez, André-Pierre Gignac, and Ángel Correa.

With Messi’s participation still hanging in the balance, the quarterfinal promises intensity, drama, and plenty of star power. Whether the Argentine takes the pitch or not could decide the fate of Inter Miami’s campaign.