Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami against Cavalier today?
The uncertainty continues around Lionel Messi’s physical condition. Despite training for Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 match against Cavalier, the former Barcelona star is expected to miss his second consecutive game for Inter Miami.
AS USA Latino confirmed earlier reports from outlets including Deporte Total USA which revealed that the Argentina captain will not be available for the clash against Jamaican team Cavalier on March 6.
Lionel Messi will not be there tonight against Cavalier.
He will continue with the process that the club has decided on to avoid a longer absence due to muscle overload.
Via @Jarm21 pic.twitter.com/LMYGXXETcT
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) March 6, 2025
More Lionel Messi worries for Inter Miami
This has reignited speculation about Messi’s fitness. In a pre-match press conference, Javier Mascherano explained that the Argentine captain has accumulated fatigue and a slight overload, so The Herons are being cautious with their best player.
Although the club hasn’t officially confirmed it, it has been widely reported elsewhere that Messi won’t even be on the bench for the CONCACAF Champions Cup contest.
Lionel Messi latest injury update
“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.
Argentina to take precedence over Inter Miami for Messi?
Messi’s absence on Thursday suggests he isn’t guaranteed to play in Inter Miami’s upcoming matches against Charlotte (March 9) and the return leg against Cavalier in Jamaica (March 13).
The 37-year-old’s Inter Miami return could therefore be delayed until after the FIFA international break (March 17-25), as the Argentine star will face crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 25) with the Albiceleste.
Original article written by Diego Gorostieta and Fernando Petrocelli, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.
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