Argentine star Lionel Messi will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s crucial Leagues Cup knockout match against the Columbus Crew on Tuesday. The defending champions will be without their talismanic forward due to a right ankle injury suffered a month ago during Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia.
Messi has yet to resume training with his Miami teammates since being released from a walking boot. His absence is a significant blow for Inter Miami, who are currently the top team in the MLS standings.
The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX Mexican clubs, with Messi playing a pivotal role in Miami’s triumph in last year’s inaugural edition.
The match between Columbus, the reigning MLS champions, and Miami promises to be a thrilling encounter. It is one of eight matches taking place on Monday and Tuesday, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals on Friday and Saturday.
Monday’s round of 16 action kicks off with Seattle Sounders hosting Mexico’s Pumas. Seattle previously defeated the Pumas in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final. Other Tuesday knockout matches include Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul against Mazatlan, Tigres against New York City, Toluca at Colorado, Club America at St. Louis, and San Jose at Los Angeles FC.
