Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami’s match against D.C. United on Saturday.
Messi did not take part in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win in the Leagues Cup against Tigres on Wednesday due to fitness issues and he will miss Saturday’s game. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano stated on Friday that Messi will miss the game. Here is what he had to say:
“Messi will rest on Saturday because of the trip and the importance of Wednesday’s match.”
Inter Miami will play Orlando SC on Wednesday in the semi finals of the Leagues Cup.
The round of 16 second leg of the Copa Sudamericana between Independiente and Universidad de Chile, played on Wednesday in Avellaneda, was canceled after serious incidents of violence in the stands. What began as a tense match with the score 1-1 early in the second half turned into a night marked by chaos, injuries, and arrests.
The match was suspended just two minutes into the second half by Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera when spectators entered the field amid escalating violence between fans. Conmebol later announced the definitive cancellation, citing a “lack of security guarantees” from the host club and local authorities.
The trouble began in the first half but escalated after the break. Fans of Universidad de Chile, located in the upper tier of a stand, threw heavy objects—including masonry pieces, broom handles, and even parts of stadium facilities—toward Independiente supporters below. Despite the ongoing violence, the match continued until pitch invasions forced a halt.
With police failing to intervene, Independiente’s ultras stormed the visiting section to confront the Chilean supporters. Videos shared on social media later showed violent attacks, including fans being stripped, beaten, and even thrown or forced to jump from the upper tier. One Chilean fan, identified as Gonzalo Alfaro, survived a fall after leaping to avoid being assaulted, reportedly landing on a roof inside the stadium.
Reports of injuries and arrests vary, but local authorities confirmed at least 23 people hospitalized, including two Universidad de Chile fans in critical condition with severe head trauma at Hospital Fiorito. Other victims were treated for stab wounds and multiple injuries. Police also detained over 120 people, with some accounts suggesting as many as 300 visiting fans were held.
The match had 650 police officers and 150 private security agents assigned, but most were stationed outside the stadium. Inside, there was little to no security presence in the visiting section, allowing the violence to escalate unchecked. Authorities had expected 2,500 visiting fans, but nearly 3,500 arrived, overwhelming the security operation.
More than an hour after the suspension, Conmebol issued a statement confirming the match’s cancellation and referring the case to its judicial bodies for further action. Club directors from both Independiente and Universidad de Chile are expected to travel to Paraguay to meet with Conmebol officials regarding sanctions and next steps.
The first leg in Santiago ended 1-0 in favor of Universidad de Chile. At the time of suspension in Avellaneda, the score was 1-1, a result that would have allowed the Chilean side to advance to the quarterfinals. Lucas Assadi opened the scoring for Universidad de Chile in the 10th minute, while Santiago Montiel equalized for Independiente in the 27th.
Messi did not train with Inter Miami on Tuesday and did not play in their win. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was red cardes during the match and it was assistant coach Morales who spoke at a press conference after the win. When asked about why Messi did not play, here is what he had to say:
“Mascherano asked Messi how he was feeling before the match and the feeling wasn’t good. We decided not to take the risk.”
Inter Miami qualified for the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup and will play Orlando on Wednesday. Their next league match is on Saturday against D.C. United.
Bayer Leverkusen have agreed to personal terms with Equi Fernández.
The German club could be signing another Argentine player to the team. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen have reached a personal agreement with Equi Fernández and talks are under way with Al Qadsiah.
Fernández joined Al-Qadsiah last year from Boca Juniors. The Argentine has played 37 matches since joining the club.
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City.
Claudio Echeverri has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a one year deal. The club announced that Echeverri has signed a one year loan deal.
The Argentine will wear the number 9 shirt. Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes spoke to Bayer’s website about Echeverri. Here is what he had to say:
“Claudio Echeverri is a technically gifted, energetic player who is very dynamic between the lines from where he poses a threat.
“A classy footballer – very good at dribbling, direct going forwards and always able to bring his teammates into play positively. Football fans come to games to watch players like Claudio.
“His creativity will bring new and attractive elements to our game.”
