Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami vs. D.C. United? Here’s the latest updates


Lionel Messi will miss Saturday’s game between Inter Miami and D.C. United at Audi Field due to a right hamstring injury, the club confirmed on Friday afternoon. But can Inter Miami win without him? They haven’t been as successful without Messi on the pitch.

Inter Miami’s record without Messi? It been winless seven times in eight games, including a 3-2 loss to CF Montreal last Saturday when he missed his first match of the season.

Inter Miami’s other star players from Barcelona in Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as well as U.S. national team goalie Drake Callender are expected to start against D.C. United.

Follow along as USA TODAY Sports provides live updates from Saturday’s match.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. D.C. United on Saturday?

Inter Miami and D.C. United kickoff at 2 p.m. Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Apple TV will broadcast the game for free.

WATCH: Inter Miami vs. DC United on Apple TV

TICKETS: See Inter Miami in person vs. DC United

SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store

Leo Campana goal: D.C. United 1, Inter Miami 1

Inter Miami’s aggressive persistence paid off 10 minutes after falling behind.

Defender Federico Redondo kept the play alive, even while laying on his back, and Leo Campana’s left boot found the back of the net for Inter Miami in the 24th minute.

Jared Stroud goal: D.C. United 1, Inter Miami 0

D.C. United’s Jared Stroud delivered a strike with his right boot, and has given his side a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.

Inter Miami goalie Drake Callender had no answer, after a save on D.C. United’s Christian Benteke one minute earlier.

Inter Miami trails without Messi, while Suarez and Alba are on the bench.

Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba not in starting lineup vs. D.C. United

While Messi is out, Suarez and Alba will start Saturday’s match from the bench. Meanwhile, D.C. United’s Christian Benteke will return from a groin injury.

Here are the starting lineups for both teams:

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United prediction

Inter Miami 2, D.C. United 2: No Messi, sure. But his fellow Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and U.S. National Team goalie Drake Callender will likely play for Inter Miami. Just keep an eye on D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, who had a hat trick in their season opener and could return from a groin injury to play. Both sides will play to a draw if Inter Miami is engaged enough without Messi. − Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter, USA TODAY

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes the field prior to the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match against the Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on March 13, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing against D.C. United?

Inter Miami released a statement on Friday afternoon, regarding Messi’s hamstring injury:

“Messi came off in the 50th minute of Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup win against Nashville SC due to discomfort suffered on his right leg during the match. Following a subsequent medical assessment, it has been determined that the captain has suffered a slight injury in his right hamstring and is expected to miss the away match on March 16 at D.C. United,” the statement said.

“After those matches, Messi’s availability will be determined based on daily medical assessments and the development of his recovery in the coming days.”

Messi was seen having his hamstring massaged during the first of two Champions Cup matches against Nashville SC. Messi was also kicked in the left leg, causing his left ankle to twist during that March 7 match.

Messi will return to DMV area in June

While Inter Miami vs. D.C. United ticket buyers may be upset about his absence, Messi is scheduled to return with Argentina to the DMV in June.

Messi will join Argentina for a match against Guatemala at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland on June 14, which will serve as a warmup before Copa America this summer.

Messi hamstring injury could impact upcoming Argentina matches

Messi is expected to join the Argentina national team for two friendlies that will serve as warmups for this summer’s Copa America. And it’s possible his injury could limit him in both matches.

Argentina will play against El Salvador in Philadelphia on March 22, and against Costa Rica in Los Angeles on March 26, during the FIFA international window (MLS still schedule games during this period).

Messi could miss two Inter Miami games: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls on March 23, when he’ll be with Argentina; and Inter Miami vs. New York City FC on March 30 for rest purposes.

MLS MatchDay 5: All games free on Apple TV

With the soccer G.O.A.T. sitting out another Inter Miami game, fans will have to settle for following the other intriguing action taking place around MLS this weekend. To highlight the action: There are five teams currently tied atop the Eastern Conference standings, and all five are in action on Saturday. In an added bonus for soccer-football fans, all of this weekend’s MLS games are free to watch on Apple TV.

Messi the mega influencer: Brands love his 500 million followers and down-to-earth persona

Lionel Messi is a mega influencer by social media standards, but he’s so far from being a typical “influencer” — even with 500 million Instagram followers at his fingertips.

Messi’s rise to 500 million has coincided with momentum following his thrilling World Cup victory in December 2022 and his successful move to MLS and media partnership with Apple TV last summer, but it’s also inextricably linked to who he is as a person.

Messi wears new Argentina Copa America 2024 jersey kit: Check out the new threads

Lionel Messi fans received a treat Thursday, when photos of the Argentine star wearing Argentina’s new Copa America 2024 jersey kit were shared online. Check out Messi’s Copa America schedule, too.

Who was the dog at the Oscars? Meet ‘Messi’ the border collie (not the soccer star)

Messi — the pup who played Snoop in “Anatomy of a Fall,” which was a five-time nominee and winner of “Best Original Screenplay” — had an eventful showing at The Oscars. Messi’s owner, Laura Martin Contini, is a professional dog trainer who said her two children named Messi are after the soccer legend.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inter Miami-DC United live updates: how to stream, Messi injury update



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