Messi and Alba in Doubt for the Leagues Cup Semifinal
Inter Miami’s technical staff, led by Javier Morales, is evaluating the participation of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for the crucial Leagues Cup semi-final match against Orlando City. Messi missed the quarter-final match against Tigres UANL due to a muscle injury in his right leg. Alba, for his part, suffered a blow to the knee that forced him to leave the field in the second half of the same match. Both players rejoined training with the rest of the team on Monday and Tuesday, after missing the MLS match against D.C. United on Saturday.Morales added that Messi’s presence in the team is a possibility, although the final decision will depend on how the player feels. “We hope he is on the team, and tomorrow we will make a decision about how he feels. These types of injuries need to be observed, it is a process that occurs throughout the day and how he feels the next day. So, I imagine, that it is not yet an incorporation because we have not sent the list, but I imagine that he will be on the team at least,” he declared. Messi returned from his injury playing 45 minutes against LA Galaxy on August 16, where he scored a goal and provided an assist. On the other hand, Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets will seek to reach his 100th appearance with the club since joining in the summer of 2023. He has become a fundamental part of the team, driving the club towards the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Although Busquets’ contract with Inter Miami ends after the 2025 MLS season, the player preferred not to comment on his future.Jordi and Leo trained with us, they completed the training. We will see how they feel as the day goes on, and tomorrow we will make a decision about what the final decision is for the match. But fortunately they trained and were able to complete the training, which is a positive thing.
Javier Morales
Busquets stated that, if necessary, he would sign as a non-designated player. Yes, obviously [I wouldn’t play as a DP]. I think it’s obvious that the conditions would change because the three positions that belong to each team in this league are already occupied. Inter Miami will face Orlando City in search of a place in the Leagues Cup final and a spot in the 2026 edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The winner of this series will face the winner of the match between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. Head coach Javier Mascherano will watch Wednesday’s match from the bench after receiving a red card and the subsequent suspension during halftime of the match against Tigres.When I left Barcelona, I already knew I wouldn’t return to Spain or Europe,” said Busquets. “Well, I’m also at an age; I’m much closer to ending my career than continuing it. But as I said before, there’s still nothing official about a renewal or a supposed retirement, so when I have to announce it, you’ll know, and from there we can talk more in depth.
Sergio Busquets
