Inter Miami went onto the field without their captain Lionel Messi in the CONCAF Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg match against Cavalier FC at Chase Stadium.
Messi’s absence has fueled speculation that the focus might be shifting towards Argentina’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. His return to Inter Miami’s lineup could depend on his fitness and how much he is utilized during these international fixtures.
Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing?
Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano explained why Messi was not featuring in match against Cavalier.
“He hasn’t had any injuries, but as the games have gone on, he’s felt tired and overloaded. That’s why we decided he wouldn’t go to Houston, because he’s had some injuries before, and we don’t want to risk him being out for a month by not giving him rest,” Mascherano explained.
Inter Miami’s Strong Form Without Messi
Even without their talisman, Inter Miami is still unbeaten this season. The team earned their Round of 16 berth in the Champions Cup after a convincing aggregate win over Sporting KC in the first round. Their adversaries, Cavalier FC, earned their spot at this stage after winning the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup last season.
