Lionel Messi's Fitness Key as Inter Miami Faces Tigres UANL

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's fitness is in doubt for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup quarter-final match against Tigres UANL on Wednesday, according to head coach Javier Mascherano. 

Messi has been struggling with muscular problems since early August and trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday. Despite his uncertain status, Mascherano hasn't ruled him out of contention yet, saying, “We'll see how he's doing during the day and tomorrow, but he's not ruled out. I can't tell you today if he'll play because it depends a lot on how he feels.”

Messi's potential absence would be a significant blow to Inter Miami's chances of retaining the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023. Mascherano believes Tigres UANL will be a tough opponent, describing them as “a team with a lot of offensive power.” Inter Miami will need to be at their best to overcome Tigres, with Mascherano emphasizing the importance of neutralizing their opponents' attack and playing at their own pace.

Inter Miami's Predicted Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Óscar Ustari

Defenders:

• Right Back: Marcelo Weigandt
• Center Backs: Gonzalo Luján, 

• Maximiliano Falcon
• Left Back: Jordi Alba

Midfielders:

• Central Midfielder: Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul

Forwards:

• Right Wing: Tadeo Allende
• Attacking Midfielder: Lionel 

Messi

• Left Wing: Telasco Segovia
•  Striker: Luis Suárez

If Messi plays, he'll start for the first time since suffering an injury in the second game of the Leagues Cup, and he'll aim to continue his impressive form after scoring and assisting in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over LA Galaxy last weekend.

However, Messi appeared to be in physical discomfort during the second half, sparking concerns about his fitness ahead of Miami's Leagues Cup campaign. This uncertainty comes as Inter Miami prepares to face Tigres UANL in their upcoming Leagues Cup match on August 21.

Eyes on the @LeaguesCup 🔜 pic.twitter.com/g10lcXDUXH

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 18, 2025

Messi's recent injury history has raised eyebrows, including a minor right-leg muscle injury that kept him out of the MLS All-Star Game. Although he seemed to be training without restrictions, a recent video showed him receiving assistance for his left foot during a training session, adding to the doubts about his fitness. Despite these concerns, Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami's success this season, scoring 18 goals in 18 appearances.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi's fitness for the Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Tigres UANL is uncertain. Messi trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial match.

Mascherano stated, “Leo didn't train with the group; he trained separately. He felt uncomfortable during the 45 minutes he played [on Saturday]. We'll see how he's doing during the day and tomorrow, but he's not ruled out.” Mascherano also emphasized that he couldn't definitively say whether Messi would play, as it depends on how he feels.

Messi's potential absence would significantly impact Inter Miami's chances, especially against a formidable opponent like Tigres UANL, an eight-time Mexican champion. The team's strategy might need adjustment without their star player, who has been battling muscular problems since early August.

“Leo didn't train with the group; he trained separately,” Mascherano told a press conference in Fort Lauderdale. “He felt uncomfortable during the 45 minutes he played (on Saturday). We'll see how he's doing during the day and tomorrow, but he's not ruled out,” Mascherano added.

“I can't tell you today if he'll play because it depends a lot on how he feels.”

Lionel Messi's potential absence would significantly impact Inter Miami's chances of regaining the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023 during his fairytale first season in MLS. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted that Messi's fitness for the clash with Tigres UANL is uncertain, saying, “Leo didn't train with the group; he trained separately. He felt uncomfortable during the 45 minutes he played [on Saturday]. We'll see how he's doing during the day and tomorrow, but he's not ruled out.”

Messi, who has been battling muscular problems since early August, trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday as they prepared for the last-eight showdown with Tigres. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Messi's fitness, Mascherano emphasized the team's strategy to neutralize Tigres' offense.

“The goal is to neutralise Tigres, be the protagonists, have the ball, and play the game at our pace,” Mascherano noted, highlighting the team's determination to dominate the match. Mascherano also acknowledged Tigres as “a team with a lot of offensive power,” emphasizing the challenge ahead for Inter Miami.

Inter Miami's quarterfinal match against Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup will be a tough test, but coach Javier Mascherano is confident in his team's abilities. “They're a tough opponent, but we have the weapons to compete,” he said, highlighting Miami's strengths ahead of the crucial match.

The Leagues Cup quarterfinals will feature three other matches alongside Miami's game against Tigres. These include Toluca vs. Orlando City, Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Pachuca, and Seattle Sounders vs. Puebla. Each match promises to be intense, with teams from Major League Soccer and Liga MX battling for a spot in the semifinals.