The Argentine star did not travel to Texas on Saturday.
Inter Miami traveled to Houston on Saturday for its Week 2 showdown against the Dynamo in the 2025 Major League Soccer season. However, the biggest storyline surrounding the trip is the shock absence of Lionel Messi, confirming that the global superstar will not take part in Sunday night’s matchup at Shell Energy Stadium (8:00 p.m. EST).
Why is Messi not playing for Inter Miami? Is he injured?
According to Fernando Petrocelli of Diario AS—corroborating an earlier report by Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald—Messi is being rested ahead of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 first-leg match against Cavalier SC. That game is set for Thursday, March 6, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi’s absence deals a major blow to MLS, as this match was slated to be the league’s second edition of Sunday Night Soccer, an event the league is positioning similarly to the NFL’s Sunday Night Football. His presence would have undoubtedly elevated viewership and national interest.
With Messi out, all eyes will be on head coach Javier Mascherano’s tactical adjustments. The 40-year-old Argentine manager must reshuffle his lineup to compensate for the absence of his team’s biggest star. Inter Miami opened the season with a draw against New York City FC and now faces added pressure to secure all three points against a tough Dynamo squad.
Mascherano had initially stated in Friday’s press conference that Messi was in good condition and training normally. However, his omission from the traveling squad suggests a last-minute change in plans for Inter Miami.
Messi isn’t the only player missing from Sunday’s matchup. Winger Fafà Picault and right-back Marcelo Weigandt are also sidelined due to injuries, leaving Inter Miami without additional key pieces. As a result, the Herons will lean heavily on veterans Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to lead the charge in Houston.