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Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs Orlando City

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 5:31 PM ET

Inter Miami will face Orlando City in this round of the MLS. Both clubs advanced to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup, but Inter Miami suffered a setback when Lionel Messi went down with a minor muscle injury just 10 minutes into the match against Necaxa.

Many specialists and fans had expressed concerns about Inter Miami’s packed schedule, fearing it could lead to a muscle injury for the 38-year-old veteran. Those fears came true, despite Messi being in spectacular form since returning from the Club World Cup.

In the five matches before the injury, Messi scored a brace in each. In the rare game he didn’t score, he provided two assists — one against the New York Red Bulls and another in the first round of the League's Cup against Atlas FC, securing the win.

After being injured against Necaxa, Messi officially missed just one game. Inter Miami, however, coped well in his absence, cruising to a 3-0 win over Pumas in the Leagues Cup — a match that also saw Rodrigo De Paul score his first goal for the Florida side.

The first of many. What a way to start, Rodri ✨ pic.twitter.com/S9KBjlSfUY
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 9, 2025

Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs Orlando City

Lionel Messi will miss the match against Orlando City. Manager Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi is fit, but the team has decided not to take any risks with several big games on the horizon. On Saturday, August 9, the 38-year-old was spotted training individually, working separately from the rest of the squad.

BREAKING: Lionel Messi training individually while Inter Miami prepare for their clash vs Orlando City pic.twitter.com/FQmXn9BJiT
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) August 9, 2025

Latest on Messi's Injury

The initial reports suggested Messi would be sidelined for at least 15 days. Now back on the training ground, he is still likely to miss Inter Miami’s next MLS match against the LA Galaxy in Miami. However, if the coaching staff determines he is ready, they may opt to play him — either starting the match or bringing him on as a substitute.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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