‘I Didn’t Break Any Rules’ – Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano Confirms Lionel Messi Will Miss DC United Match, Addresses Cellphone Incident After Red Card in Leagues Cup

Messi’s Absence Confirmed: A Second Straight Game Out

Inter Miami fans hoping to see Lionel Messi back on the pitch this weekend will have to wait a little longer. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday that the Argentine superstar will miss Saturday’s road trip against DC United as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury.

The 37-year-old captain, who picked up the knock during the Leagues Cup clash with Necaxa, has been limited to just 45 minutes of football across Miami’s last four matches. While Messi has been seen working individually in training, he has not yet rejoined full-team sessions. For Mascherano and Miami’s medical staff, the priority is clear: no risks, no rush.

“Leo is still recovering,” Mascherano told reporters. “We know what he means to the team, but the important thing is having him back fully fit for the decisive part of the season.”

Messi already sat out Miami’s quarterfinal victory over Tigres earlier this week, and his absence against DC United will mark his second consecutive game on the sidelines.

Inter Miami CF v Tigres UANL – Leagues Cup Quarter Finals

The Cellphone Incident: Mascherano Defends Himself

Messi’s injury wasn’t the only headline out of Miami this week. Mascherano himself has been at the center of a small storm after being shown a red card during the Tigres game. Cameras caught the coach, banished to the stands, using his cellphone to communicate with his staff during the tense Leagues Cup encounter.

The incident sparked plenty of debate, with some critics accusing Mascherano of bending the rules. But the Inter Miami boss was firm in his defense:

“The truth is the stands at our stadium are very close to the pitch, so I tried to stay as near as possible to help the team,” Mascherano said. “It’s something that has happened many times in football and will continue to happen. I didn’t break any rules—I could’ve been sitting in an owner’s suite instead. The team needed me close. I’ll accept whatever consequences come.”

Tournament officials later confirmed that Mascherano did not technically violate any regulations, though a disciplinary review remains ongoing. Still, the Argentine coach insists his conscience is clear.

Inter Miami CF v Tigres UANL – Leagues Cup Quarter Finals

The Bigger Picture: Miami’s Season on the Line

Beyond red cards and cellphones, the focus for Miami remains their push for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 45 points, the Herons are in a solid position, but the margins are tight. Every game counts, and losing their talisman for even a couple of weeks is a blow.

Yet there are reasons for optimism. Even without Messi, Miami managed to edge Tigres and book their place in the Leagues Cup semifinals. Players like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Benjamin Cremaschi have stepped up to fill the void, showing that this team is more than just Messi.

But still, when the number 10 isn’t on the pitch, the difference is obvious. Miami lack that extra spark, that game-changing brilliance that Messi brings even when he’s not at 100%.

What Javier Mascherano Said About Messi’s Injury

Mascherano was clear in his messaging: Messi’s recovery is the priority, and there’s no need to panic.

“Leo’s had this issue since the Necaxa game,” Mascherano explained. “We’re monitoring him daily. He’s working hard, but we know we can’t push him too fast. These injuries are tricky—you feel good one day, then worse the next. It’s better to give him the time he needs.”

The coach stopped short of setting a timeline for Messi’s return but hinted that the Argentine could be available for the Leagues Cup semifinal or for next month’s crucial MLS fixtures.

Did You Know?

• Messi has played just 45 minutes across Miami’s last four matches, underscoring how cautious the club is being with his recovery.

• Inter Miami are unbeaten in their last seven matches when Messi has been unavailable, showing resilience without their captain.

• Mascherano, in his first major coaching stint in club football, has already seen his side score 48 goals in MLS play, second only to Cincinnati in the East.

• The Herons are looking to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for only the second time in club history.

What Next for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami CF v Tigres UANL – Leagues Cup Quarter Finals

Up next is the road trip to Audi Field to face DC United, a club also battling for playoff positioning. While Messi will not travel, the focus will be on whether Miami’s supporting cast can step up again. Luis Suárez, still deadly in front of goal, will be expected to lead the line, while youngsters like Cremaschi and David Ruiz continue to grow into bigger roles.

Mascherano himself may also have to watch from the stands again, depending on the final ruling on his suspension. But whether he’s on the sidelines or not, the message to his team is clear: dig deep, find a way, and keep the playoff push alive.

Looking slightly further ahead, Miami’s path could get even more challenging. The Leagues Cup semifinal looms, and then the MLS schedule intensifies with crunch games against Eastern Conference rivals. Messi’s return could well decide whether Miami are just playoff contenders—or genuine title challengers.

Conclusion: Messi’s Health Over Everything

Inter Miami CF v Tigres UANL – Leagues Cup Quarter Finals

For all the noise around red cards and cellphones, the real story here is Messi’s hamstring. Inter Miami are rightly putting his long-term health above short-term gains. The fans may be impatient, desperate to see their hero back on the field, but rushing him back risks making the problem worse.

Mascherano summed it up best: “We’d rather have Leo back at 100% when it really matters.”

Until then, Miami must prove they can keep winning without him. Saturday’s clash with DC United offers another test. If they pass it, they’ll not only strengthen their playoff bid but also buy Messi and Mascherano the one thing they need most right now: time.