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Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs Tigres UANL In the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 11:17 PM ET

Inter Miami is playing a crucial game in the Leagues Cup against Tigres UANL. Stars like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul . One name not on the team sheet is Lionel Messi , despite returning from injury over the weekend.

Messi did not start against LA Galaxy , but he was subbed on in the second half. He provided an assist and scored a goal in Inter Miami's 3-1 win. Messi did not appear fine during the game, and after the full-time whistle, Messi left the pitch and the stadium quickly.

Messi was expected to play a couple of minutes against Tigres UANL, and concern grew when the Argentine star did not appear in the team training session yesterday.

Javier Mascherano did not rule out Messi against Tigres, but just a few hours before the game, Messi was officially ruled out.

Lionel Messi Remains Injured

Messi is watching the game in normal clothes and was with De Paul and Suarez as the team walked into the stadium. Messi was not only out of the starting lineup, but he was not even on the substitutes list.

pic.twitter.com/Wly6Gf6BaF
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) August 21, 2025

Just before the game started, Telasco Segovia was asked about Messi's absence, and he didn't hint at how long the star would be out for. His words suggest Messi is not suffering from a long-term injury.

Telasco Segovia: "Unfortunately, Messi will not play with us today, but we will try to give our best."

Inter Miami loses another player due to injury

Inter Miami took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to a goal from Luis Suarez from the penalty spot. The Herons were leading 1-0 at halftime, but Jordi Alba suffered an injury.

It appears to be an ankle injury, and he wasn't able to continue in the second half. Alba was replaced by Noah Allen in the second half.

Cannot imagine Jordi Alba continues here.

He had his ankle stepped on by Segovia late in the half, was tended to for a while, soldiered on until the break so as to not cost Inter Miami a substitution window, and limped off the field in clear pain.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/AQ8hppQirc
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) August 21, 2025