Inter Miami drew against Orlando City with a score of 1-1 in the 30th round of the MLS, amid the absence of the team's star Lionel Messi. The draw was disappointing for Inter Miami's hopes of moving up to the playoff qualifying spots in the league, as their points total reached 32, placing them second to last in the Eastern Conference of the MLS, with a 5-point deficit and two games less than ninth-placed New York City, which occupies the last playoff spot.
Messi's absence from Inter Miami may extend to the final of the U.S. Open Cup, which will take place early next Thursday against Houston Dynamo, as the Florida team seeks to add another title to its collection after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami's coach Tata Martino revealed Messi's situation in statements he made after the Orlando City match, saying in remarks reported by the Spanish newspaper "Marca": "It is very difficult to determine a specific probability of Messi's return because we are taking it day by day." He added: "We will assess his condition; first, I will listen to what he tells me and how he feels, and we also need to evaluate future risks."
Inter Miami traveled to Orlando without Messi, who is suffering from a muscle issue, as well as Jordi Alba, who also sustained a thigh muscle injury, and Sergio Busquets, who has suffered from a migraine.
