Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made it clear he won’t be taking any risks with Lionel Messi when they face Orlando City, but stressed the team’s goal remains to win out in MLS and push for a deep Leagues Cup run. The reigning Supporters’ Shield champions will meet Tigres in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 20, at Chase Stadium, but first have two MLS matchups to navigate.
Alongside Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy and Orlando City, Miami is one of four MLS sides to reach the Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinals after three group-stage games. They booked their spot with a dramatic comeback win over Pumas, and now set their sights on Tigres.
Messi ruled out of Inter Miami vs. Orlando City
Speaking to Diario AS USA Latino, Mascherano addressed Messi’s recovery, Rodrigo De Paul’s role, the challenge of facing Tigres, and the team’s push to finish strong in league play.
“No, Leo won’t be available against Orlando City. He’s doing well, but it would be crazy to risk him tomorrow given everything that’s ahead,” Mascherano said. “We’re very optimistic he’ll be back with us soon.”
Miami’s tough matchups
Mascherano praised the team’s resilience this season, noting big performances not just in MLS and Leagues Cup, but also in the Club World Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.
“The game against Pumas was one we had to win to qualify. We went down early, which we didn’t deserve, but we turned it around. In the second half we stayed calm, played with intelligence — and yes, with a lot of fight — to get the result,” he said.
Facing Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarters
“Tigres is a great team — they showed that last night against Puebla. They’ve got top-quality players and they’re always in the hunt for titles. First, we need to handle these two league games — tomorrow against Orlando and next Saturday against the Galaxy — and then we’ll focus on Tigres.”
Rodrigo De Paul’s versatility
“He started in that free role so Tadeo and Luis Suárez could play further forward. In the second half we had him face the field more instead of playing with his back to goal. He’s versatile, can play in different positions, and it’s great that he’s adding goals.”
Yannick Bright’s impact
“Yannick is a huge player for us. He missed seven weeks with injury, but we’ve been easing him back in. The other day he had an outstanding game — honestly, it’s rare for him to have a bad one.”
Payback for the 3–0 loss to Orlando City
“We want to close the gap in head-to-head matchups within the conference. With Cincinnati, we’ve already played both games and they’re ahead. But against teams like Philadelphia, Columbus and Nashville, we’ve gotten the better of them. With Orlando, we’re still three points down. Those details can matter later.”
Supporters’ Shield not an obsession
“We play to win every match. Finishing first in the overall table would be great for playoff positioning, but as last year showed, it doesn’t guarantee anything. The goal is to win all 12 of our remaining regular-season games, plus every Leagues Cup match we can.”
Inter Miami injury update
Mascherano concluded by revealing Messi wouldn’t be the only absentee against Orlando, with defender Obando also out. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, however, is available for selection.
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