When will Lionel Messi return as Argentina star ruled out for Inter Miami against Orlando City?

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Inter Miami are set to miss their talisman Lionel Messi who is ruled out of their next MLS match against Orlando City due to an injury.

The Argentine, a pivotal part of the Miami squad, will play no part in the match and will now be sidelined for the second game in a row.

Why is Lionel Messi ruled out?

Lionel Messi is ruled out of Inter Miami's MLS match against Orlando City due to a minor muscle injury in his right leg, sustained during the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa.

Messi's coach, Javier Mascherano, emphasized that Messi is "fine" but it would be "crazy to take any risks" by playing him against Orlando given upcoming important fixtures, including Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres UANL on August 20.

"Leo will not be available tomorrow. He is fine, but obviously it would be crazy to risk taking him to Orlando because of all that is ahead. We are optimistic that he will soon return with us," Mascherano said.

When will Lionel Messi return to Action?

There is no exact timeline for Messi's return, but the coaching staff is optimistic that he will be back soon, possibly after the Orlando match and subsequent games on August 16 and then the quarterfinal on August 20.

Messi has been the leader in MLS goals this season and will likely return when fully fit to face crucial challenges ahead. The 38-year-old has netted 24 goals across all competitions this season, 18 in 18 matches in the MLS. He was in a tremendous scoring spree before getting injured, as the former Barcelona star scored 9 goals and 3 assists in six matches.

Miami managed to win their last Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM without Messi, and will be hoping for the same against Orlando on Sunday (Monday in India). They are currently placed 5th in the Eastern Conference table, nine points behind leaders Philadelphia Union.