Inter Miami CF faces a pivotal Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City as Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba’s availability remains up in the air. The club will decide on their inclusion for Wednesday’s match at Chase Stadium after both trained with the squad on Monday and Tuesday following their absences in the MLS clash with D.C. United.
Inter Miami’s approach to Messi and Alba
– Messi has been sidelined since a minor right leg muscle issue kept him out of the Aug. 20 quarterfinal versus Tigres UANL. He returned to training with the group this week, with the team monitoring his condition day by day.
– Alba also returned to full training after suffering a knee knock in the same Tigres game. His status will be clarified as the day of the match progresses.
– Manager Javier Morales stressed that a final decision will come closer to kickoff and that Messi’s progression will determine whether he reenters the squad. He noted that injuries of this type require daily assessment, but added that Messi’s latest training session was a positive sign.
Messi’s earlier return and ongoing timeline
– Messi first came back from injury with 45 minutes played against the LA Galaxy on August 16, a performance that included a goal and an assist before he was sidelined again.
Sergio Busquets and the longer-term picture
– Midfielder Sergio Busquets could reach a milestone 100 appearances for Inter Miami if selected. His contributions have been central to the club’s success, including the 2023 Leagues Cup title and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
– Busquets’ contract runs through the end of the 2025 MLS season, but he opted not to comment on his future. He suggested that, if the situation permitted, he would sign as a non-Designated Player to accommodate the squad’s needs, noting that the league’s DP slots are already filled.
Match context and stakes
– Inter Miami host Orlando City with a spot in the Leagues Cup final on the line and a potential berth in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup on the line.
– The winner advances to face the victor of the LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders clash.
– Head coach Javier Mascherano will be absent from the dugout for Wednesday’s game after receiving a red card and suspension in the Tigres match, and will watch from the sidelines.
What it means for Inter Miami
– The team will rely on day-to-day updates to determine Messi’s availability, aiming to balance rest with match readiness for a critical semifinal.
– A healthy Messi, combined with Alba’s return, would provide a major boost as Inter Miami pursue back-to-back Leagues Cup showings and a continued push for silverware in multiple competitions.
– Busquets’ experience and leadership remain invaluable as the club navigates a busy schedule and potential roster decisions ahead of more high-stakes fixtures.
Summary
Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City hinges on Messi and Alba’s fitness, with training progress offering optimism for their inclusion. Busquets eyes a milestone appearance amid ongoing talks about his future, while Mascherano watches from the sidelines due to suspension. The winner will move on to contest the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup berth and face either the LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in the final.
Additional notes
– If Messi and Alba are cleared, expect a highly strategic approach from Inter Miami, leveraging Messi’s creativity and Alba’s pace on the flanks.
– The potential to add Busquets for a milestone appearance could provide a measured, experienced backbone in midfield as Miami chase another trophy run this season.
Optimistic takeaway
– With key players returning to training and the chance to compete for a final, Inter Miami remains in a strong position to contend for silverware, underscoring the club’s ongoing championship ambitions.