Overview

• Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi will not travel and will rest due to the toll of the trip and the importance of the midweek semifinal.
• The star forward has dealt with a lingering muscle/hamstring issue since an Aug. 2 Leagues Cup injury, returned briefly on Aug. 16, then felt renewed discomfort and sat out the Tigres quarterfinal.
• With Messi sidelined, Luis Suárez carries the attack after scoring both goals in the 2-1 Leagues Cup quarterfinal win over Tigres.
• Inter Miami also miss Jordi Alba, who has been ruled out, while Drake Callender and Ian Fray continue to manage injuries.
• Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET at Audi Field on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, and D.C. United enter on a 10-match winless run with the East’s worst defensive and attacking records.