Inter Miami will have a chance to eliminate D.C. United from MLS Cup Playoff contention on Saturday night, but they do so without Lionel Messi or Jordi Alba.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not travel or play with Inter Miami in their Saturday, Aug. 23 MLS match at D.C. United.

Baltasar Rodriguez's second half strike salvaged a road point for Inter Miami, who were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi still absent.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Despite not having their talisman Lionel Messi for the match, Inter Miami were able to get past Tigres 2-1, advancing to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup behind Luis Suarez burying two penalties to win the match.