Why Couldn't Lionel Messi Start in the MLS Cup Final vs Vancouver Whitecaps?

The status of Lionel Messi has now become the main storyline going into the 2025 MLS Cup Final between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. A matchup already under serious scrutiny, it now firmly centres on whether Lionel Messi will be fit to start after some concerns over a possible Lionel Messi injury.

Inter Miami's 5-1 win over New York City FC in the Eastern Conference Final underlined the team's form, but attention has now turned to an earlier contentious playoff incident that raised doubts about Lionel Messi's injury concerns. The big question of his availability now looms as the MLS Cup Final draws near, with coaches and teammates alike, along with the supporters, awaiting clarity on whether Lionel Messi will lead Inter Miami onto the league's biggest stage.

Controversial Elbow Raises Lionel Messi Injury Concerns

Early in the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals, there came a contentious moment with Lionel Messi that called into question whether or not an injury could affect his participation in the MLS Cup Final. Messi fell to the ground, the result of an elbow from an opponent.

For close to a minute, he was down, covering his face in apparent pain. There was no call for a foul and no card shown, which became highly debated among supporters and experts alike. This no-call was not only immediately controversial but also brought speculation of a minor concussion or head and neck injury that could impact Messi's availability for the MLS Cup Final.

The Potential Ramifications

The Lionel Messi injury can cause big trouble for Inter Miami as they look to grab another win in the finals. An apparent minor knock can have major implications in a final. The potential for a delayed reaction or a deteriorating condition from the contact with the elbow meant the medical staff would have to be ultra-cautious.

A compulsory concussion protocol, never mind a precautionary one, would have taken the player out instantly. While the search results from the Eastern Conference Final victory, where Inter Miami secured their MLS Cup Final berth against the Vancouver Whitecaps, do not report Lionel Messi failing to start due to this specific event, the pre-match discussions and the visibility of the incident ensured his medical status remained the single most important talking point leading up to the championship game.

The team's coach, Javier Mascherano, was likely to face immense pressure to confirm the full fitness of his star player before the whistle.

Could Lionel Messi Take the Field?

The biggest challenge for a player of Lionel Messi’s calibre following such an incident is obtaining medical clearance to ensure no lingering effects from the elbow contact remain. Fans will anxiously await the official starting lineup, hoping Inter Miami’s star, Lionel Messi, is fully recovered and ready to lead the team in the MLS Cup Final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.