Inter Miami is preparing for their Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City. Assistant coach Javier Morales expressed optimism that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will return to help the team in the crucial match after sustaining injuries.
The match is scheduled for August 28 at 7:30 AM (Cambodia time) at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, where they will host fellow MLS side Orlando City. Messi missed last week’s quarter-final match, where Miami defeated Tigres UANL, due to a torn right leg injury. Jordi Alba was also sidelined on August 20 due to a knee injury.
Both former Barcelona players returned to team training on August 25-26, providing a positive sign for the team ahead of the Leagues Cup. Last week, they also missed Inter Miami’s MLS match against DC United.
Morales stated, “Alba and Messi trained with us; they completed the entire session.” He added, “We will make a final decision tomorrow regarding their availability for the game. Messi has been training well, and we hope he can travel with us.”
On August 16, the Argentine star played only 45 minutes in a match, scoring a goal. Since then, the 36-year-old has continued to manage injuries and rest.
The other Leagues Cup semi-final match features an MLS clash between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.
The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring teams from MLS, Mexico’s Liga MX, and Canada’s top league. The winner secures a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
