Thu Aug 21 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Lionel Messi, battling a minor muscle injury sustained in early August, played 45 minutes as a substitute in Inter Miami’s match against the LA Galaxy, scoring a goal and providing an assist. However, coach Javier Mascherano revealed Messi wasn’t fully comfortable after the game. Messi trained separately in the days leading up to the Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres and ultimately sat out the match. Luis Suárez scored two penalties to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory.

**News Article:**

**Injured Messi Sits Out, Suárez Penalties Push Inter Miami Past Tigres 3-1**

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup semifinals Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory over Tigres, despite Lionel Messi sitting out due to a lingering muscle injury. Luis Suárez stepped up in Messi’s absence, converting two crucial penalties to secure the win.

Messi had sustained the injury in early August and, while he returned as a second-half substitute against the LA Galaxy, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory, head coach Javier Mascherano revealed the Argentinian superstar wasn’t fully comfortable after the game.

Training separately in the days leading up to the quarterfinal, Messi’s participation remained uncertain. “He felt uncomfortable during those 45 minutes he played,” Mascherano stated, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring.

Ultimately, the decision was made to rest the captain for the Tigres clash. Messi watched from the stands as his teammates battled their way to victory. Inter Miami is looking to defend their Leagues Cup title, which Messi led them to win in his debut season in 2023.

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