Overview

• Mascherano confirmed Messi will not travel to Washington and will miss this weekend’s MLS match against D.C. United.
• Inter Miami’s plan is to rest him so he can be available for Wednesday’s Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City.
• Messi has dealt with right‑leg muscular discomfort since August 2 against Necaxa, missing games versus Pumas, Tigres and Orlando City.
• He returned for 45 minutes in a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy with a goal and an assist, then reported renewed discomfort and sat out the Tigres quarterfinal.
• Jordi Alba is listed as doubtful after a right‑knee knock, and Miami enters the weekend fifth in the East with 45 points while D.C. United sits last and winless in 11.