Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi will not travel with the team to face Orlando City on Sunday night at Inter&co Stadium, admitting it would be too big of a risk for the player given the busy schedule.

Messi suffered a "minor" muscle injury in his right leg during the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on Aug. 2, forcing the player to the sidelines. The timeline for his return remains undetermined, with the club originally announcing the progress would depend on the response to treatment.

"No, Leo will not be available tomorrow," said Mascherano on Saturday. "Leo is okay, but obviously it would be crazy to take the risk of taking him to Orlando because of all that is ahead. We are optimistic that he will soon return with us."

Inter Miami will face Or

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