Inter Miami captain striker Lionel Messi will not play the match against Orlando City on September 24, and is at risk of missing the US National Cup final.
“Messi and Alba have no chance to meet Orlando City,” coach Tata Martino said on September 22. “After that, we have to play the America’s Cup final. But they won’t come on the field if they can’t play.”
Messi left the field during Inter Miami’s victory over Toronto FC on September 20. Photo: AP
Messi has had physical problems since returning to Argentina to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where he played the opening match against Ecuador and missed the second match against Bolivia. After returning to Inter Miami, Messi continued to rest for the Atlanta United match on September 16. Four days later, he played the first 37 minutes of the match against Toronto FC, then left the field with a limp.
According to coach Martino, Messi was not injured while playing for Argentina. After a slight pain incident in the match against Toronto FC, he leaned towards the possibility that “number 10” was overloaded and needed more rest. “I can’t really explain, because this is more of a medical topic,” Martino said. “It makes Messi uncomfortable, even mentally, to the point where he cannot play comfortably. We will consider further in the coming days.”
USA Today also shares the opinion that Messi is in pain and overloaded. Since July 21, the 36-year-old striker has had to play 13 matches for club and national team, not including the distance traveled.
In 12 games for Inter Miami, Messi scored 11 goals, assisted five times and never lost a match. The 2022 World Cup champion also helped the club win its first title in history, the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami is currently ranked 13th out of 15 MLS Eastern Division teams, with 31 points. They are five points behind the play-off group, but have played two fewer games. If they play well in the last six rounds, Messi and his teammates are completely capable of winning tickets.
Inter Miami is also preparing to play the America’s Cup final against Houston Dynamo on September 28.
