Messi to miss DC United trip

After a dramatic run in the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami is switching gears and returning to MLS action this weekend with a pivotal matchup against D.C. United.

The will also serve as a crucial tune-up for their Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City—a team that’s quickly become Miami’s nemesis this season.

Messi ruled out

On Friday, Miami held its final training session before heading to the nation’s capital. Notably absent once again was Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar is still recovering from a lingering right hamstring issue, and head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that his captain will not travel with the team for Saturday’s match.

This marks another missed appearance for Messi, who also sat out Miami’s recent Leagues Cup quarterfinal win over Tigres. The club is hopeful he’ll be ready to return for Wednesday’s semifinal showdown against Orlando City at Chase Stadium.

Jordi Alba absent

Inter Miami will be without another key veteran this Saturday as Spanish left-back Jordi Alba has officially been ruled out of the MLS clash against D.C. United.

Alba sustained a knock to his right knee during Wednesday’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL. Though he managed to finish the first half, he was visibly limping and couldn’t continue after halftime, exiting in the 47th minute.

Mascherano addressed Alba’s condition in Friday’s press conference, saying: “Jordi took a knock. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious. It could’ve been much worse. The area was still swollen as of yesterday, so it’s best he doesn’t travel.”

With Alba and Lionel Messi both sidelined, Inter Miami will likely turn to Noah Allen to fill the left-back role, while Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets are expected to shoulder more responsibility on the pitch.

When is DC United versus Inter Miami?

The 2025 MLS regular season game between DC United and Inter Miami will be played at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday August 23 2025, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. EST.

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