Messi has been sidelined for more than two weeks due to a minor hamstring strain, sustained during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out the Herons’ match against D.C. United and the subsequent international break as a precautionary measure. However, he is currently undergoing light training sessions in a bid to return for Wednesday’s game against Monterrey.

Morales explained: “Leo is working with the physios. He is ruled out for tomorrow [against NYCFC], he will not be available because we will be trying to do our best so that he can play at home next Wednesday against Monterrey.”

Messi will be relegated to the sidelines as Miami faces NYCFC, but he will be content if he recuperates in time to participate in the Champions Cup quarter-final. Inter Miami and Columbus Crew are the sole MLS teams remaining in the competition.