Javier Mascherano finds it remarkable that there are any question marks over his Inter Miami team's character.

Despite Lionel Messi's absence due to injury, Miami sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup as they beat Tigres UANL 2-1 on Wednesday.

Luis Suarez scored a pair of penalties to book a last-four contest against Florida rivals Orlando City.

Ahead of that clash next week, Miami return to MLS action with a trip to D.C. United.

Miami won the Supporters' Shield last year, but sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with the run-in approaching, while D.C. are at the bottom of the pile.

And ahead of Saturday's match, Mascherano hailed his team's fortitude amid a gruelling season.

He said: "We have played 40 games, more than anyone else, and we're still competing.

"You can't fault this team's character."

Mascherano confirmed that Messi, along with fellow former Barcelona star Jordi Alba, would miss the clash with D.C.

"Leo will not be travelling," Mascherano said.

"The idea is to take care of him because of the wear and tear of the trip and because the important thing is coming up on Wednesday [against Orlando].

"Jordi took a knock that, thank God, wasn't too serious. But it's best that he doesn't travel and recovers for what's coming up."

Mascherano also had to defend himself after he was shown to be communicating with his bench using a phone after he was sent off during the win over Tigres.

"The truth is the stands at our stadium are very close to the pitch, so I tried to stay as near as possible to help the team," Mascherano said.

"It’s something that has happened many times in football and will continue to happen. I didn’t break any rules - I could’ve been sitting in an owner’s suite instead. The team needed me close. I’ll accept whatever consequences come."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D.C. United – Jackson Hopkins

Last time out, Hopkins scored his first goal for D.C. in his 56th regular-season appearance for the club. Only Dejan Jakovic (63), Bryan Namoff (84) and Junior Moreno (90) had longer waits among players who scored at least once for D.C. in regular-season MLS play.

Could he follow that up with another this time around?

Inter Miami – Luis Suarez

Messi might be out, but Suarez has regularly stepped up in the Argentine’s absence this season.

Mascherano may well elect to give the veteran striker a rest from the off, but it would be no surprise to see Suarez make a telling impact from the bench if required.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami have won seven of their last eight regular-season matches in which Messi has appeared (L1) with Messi contributing to 21 total goals (13 goals, 8 assists) in those games, recording at least two goal contributions in all seven wins, so his absence is sure to be felt here.

However, Opta’s model still backs the Herons to come away with all three points.

D.C.’s all-competition winless run extended to 11 matches (D2 L9) with a 1-1 draw against CF Montreal last week. D.C. have not had a longer run of games without a win in all competitions since a 13-match stretch during the 2013 season.

Miami won both meetings with D.C. during the 2024 season after they had managed just one win in their first seven meetings with D.C. (D2 L4).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 16.5%

Inter Miami – 64.5%

Draw – 19%