'We rely on how Leo feels, and it wasn’t the best' - Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales explains why Lionel Messi was ruled out vs. Tigres

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano was sent off in the Herons' 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Tigres. As a result, his assistant, Javier Morales, handled the post-match press conference and addressed Lionel Messi’s absence.

"Everyone talked with Leo, we’re always present. We rely on how Leo feels, and it wasn’t the best. We preferred not to take risks, not to go backward in his recovery, and to play it safe by not having him in the match," Morales said.

Messi had just returned from injury, featuring for 45 minutes in Inter Miami’s win over the LA Galaxy the previous weekend.

The assistant coach also reflected on Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Tigres, which secured their spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals. 

"We played a good first half, the way that we wanted to," Morales said. "We scored, created chances. In the second half, they adjusted, but we found a way to keep fighting and win the game."

Inter Miami extended their unbeaten run at home to nine matches, with seven wins and two draws. Meanwhile, Luis Suárez is now up to 13 overall goals in 2025 for the Herons, marking his second brace of the year.

The Herons visit D.C. United this Saturday in MLS action.