Messi Sidelined: The Real Reason Behind Inter Miami's Star Absence Against Orlando City

Lionel Messi will be absent from Inter Miami's lineup when they face Orlando City SC in Sunday's MLS regular-season encounter. 

Although the 38-year-old has logged substantial playing time for the Herons throughout this campaign, he remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from an injury that also sidelined him during the recent Leagues Cup fixture against Liga MX side Pumas UNAM. 

The Argentine superstar sustained the injury during the seventh minute of the team's clash with Necaxa, going down after a collision with two defenders following a swift dribbling sequence. Though he initially stayed on the field, he was eventually substituted in the 11th minute and was subsequently diagnosed with a muscle problem in his right leg. 

"Leo won't be part of tomorrow's squad. He's doing well, but it would be reckless to bring him to Orlando considering everything we have coming up," Miami manager Javier Mascherano stated before the match. "We're hopeful he'll rejoin us shortly."

Multiple reports and online footage indicate that Messi participated in training on Saturday, though he worked separately from the main squad during his individual session. 

Throughout this campaign, Messi has netted 18 goals in MLS competition and has featured in 18 league fixtures, along with various FIFA Club World Cup, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup appearances, accumulating among the highest minute totals of any MLS participant. 

While he'll miss the rivalry clash against Miami's Florida counterparts, the Herons can still rely on considerable talent, including other former European-based players such as Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba. 

Regarding Messi's potential return, monitor Miami's upcoming fixture against LA Galaxy on Aug. 16, or the Leagues Cup quarterfinal versus Tigres UANL on Aug. 20.