Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami in today’s MLS match vs DC United?
The 2025 Major League Soccer season is entering its decisive stretch, and teams know there’s no room for error if they want to secure a spot in the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami have a chance to close the gap at the top of the standings, and that’s what they’ll aim to do this Saturday against DC United. However, they’ll have to do it without Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward has been dealing with lingering physical issues for over 20 days, dating back to the muscle injury he suffered during the August 2 Leagues Cup match against Necaxa.
That day, Leo had to be subbed off in the early minutes of the game, and the injury has since sidelined him from most of the matches the Herons have played. The Argentine forward missed the wins over Pumas and Tigres in the Leagues Cup, as well as the MLS loss to Orlando City.
The only exception was the August 16 MLS match against LA Galaxy, when Messi came off the bench in the second half and played a decisive role, scoring a goal and delivering an assist in a 3-1 win. However, in the days that followed, he once again experienced discomfort, prompting the coaching staff to take a cautious approach.
At Friday’s press conference, Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi will not be in Washington, DC for the match against DC United. “Leo is not going to travel… he will rest because of the trip, because of everything that comes with it. And because of the importance of Wednesday, so we’ll take it day by day,” said the head coach.
Inter Miami’s current priority
Mascherano’s comments made it clear where Inter Miami’s focus lies right now: the Leagues Cup. While MLS remains the club’s main long-term objective this season, there are still plenty of games ahead to lock in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
In contrast, the Leagues Cup has reached a critical phase for the Herons. On Wednesday, they’ll face Orlando City in the tournament’s semifinal, and a win there would send them to the final on Sunday, where they’d face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in pursuit of the third title in club history.
That’s why Messi’s recovery is a top priority for Mascherano. The coach knows that Inter Miami’s chances with Leo fully fit are significantly higher than in any other scenario, and he’s not willing to take unnecessary risks.
Inter Miami’s projected lineup without Messi vs DC United
Messi’s confirmed absence isn’t the only issue for Inter Miami heading into the match against DC United. Jordi Alba is also dealing with physical problems and has been ruled out for Saturday’s clash. As a result, the Herons’ likely starting XI is: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen; Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright; Tadeo Allende, Benjamin Cremaschi, Fafa Picault; Luis Suarez.