Lionel Messi ruled out of Inter Miami’s next fixture

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will not travel for Sunday's match at Orlando City due to a "minor" muscle injury in his right leg, coach Javier Mascherano said Saturday. (AP/File)
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Updated 10 August 2025
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Lionel Messi ruled out of Inter Miami’s next fixture

  • Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa
  • “No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN

FLORIDA: Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will not travel for Sunday’s match at Orlando City due to a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg, coach Javier Mascherano said Saturday.

Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa. There is no timeline for the forward’s return.

“No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN. “Leo is OK, 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.”

Messi, 38, entered this weekend with 18 goals, tied with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC for the lead in the chase for the Golden Boot. The Argentina native also has nine assists in 18 MLS matches (17 starts) this season.

After visiting Orlando City, the Herons will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday before facing Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Aug. 20 in Fort Lauderdale.


Saudi boxing’s inaugural ‘Kingdom’s Belt’ Championship crowns winners in Riyadh

Updated 08 February 2026
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Saudi boxing’s inaugural ‘Kingdom’s Belt’ Championship crowns winners in Riyadh

  • Record participation of 246 fighters highlights growing momentum of boxing across the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation staged its inaugural “Kingdom’s Belt” Championship in Riyadh this week, with champions crowned on Saturday after four days of competition.

Held at the Mike Tyson Club in Boulevard City, the tournament featured 246 male and female fighters representing 46 clubs from across the Kingdom — the largest turnout for a domestic boxing championship organized by the federation.

Athletes qualified through regional tournaments, setting up national-level competition across multiple weight divisions in both men’s and women’s categories.

The championship formed part of the federation’s official calendar and was run under technical and administrative supervision, with bouts conducted in line with approved regulations and officiating standards.

Fighters progressed through preliminary rounds and semifinals before Saturday’s finals, where winners received the Kingdom’s belts during the closing ceremony.

The event showcased competitive matchups across divisions and highlighted the continued growth of organized boxing in Saudi Arabia.

Federation officials said the tournament represents an important addition to the domestic calendar, offering athletes a structured pathway to compete nationally while supporting efforts to develop the sport across the Kingdom.