Lionel Messi will not feature in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup knockout match on Tuesday, as confirmed by coach Gerardo Martino.
Messi, the Argentine star and key player in Miami’s previous title run, remains sidelined due to a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final a month ago.
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He has yet to return to full training with his Miami teammates after being seen in a walking boot.
The Leagues Cup, which includes teams from both MLS and Liga MX, is a critical tournament for Miami, who won the inaugural title last year with Messi’s help.
This knockout match will see Inter Miami face the Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS champions, in a high-stakes game that will contribute to the quarter-final pairings.
On Monday and Tuesday, eight matches across the Leagues Cup will determine which teams advance to the quarter-finals, scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
The round of 16 kicks off with the Seattle Sounders hosting Mexico’s Pumas, a rematch of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final, where Seattle emerged victorious.
Other key knockout matches include Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul versus Mazatlan, Tigres facing New York City, Toluca traveling to Colorado, Club America visiting St. Louis, and San Jose competing against Los Angeles FC.
