Inter Miami’s hopes of advancing in the Leagues Cup received a significant blow as head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will miss the upcoming knockout match against the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew. Messi, who sustained a right ankle injury during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final last month, has not yet rejoined his teammates for training since shedding his walking boot.
Messi’s Absence: A Game-Changer
Messi’s absence is a considerable setback for Inter Miami, who counted on his exceptional skills to help them defend their Leagues Cup title. His leadership and on-field vision were instrumental in Miami’s triumph in the inaugural Leagues Cup last year, making this development a major concern for the team and its fans. Coach Martino, however, remains hopeful about Messi’s recovery and possible return to action in future matches. “We’re focused on his rehabilitation and ensuring he returns stronger,” Martino stated.
Leagues Cup: A Competitive Showcase
The Leagues Cup, featuring teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, is a competitive showcase that has gained immense popularity among football fans. Messi’s contribution last year set the stage for Miami’s victory, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt in their campaign this year. The upcoming match between Columbus Crew, last year’s MLS champions, and Inter Miami, the top overall team in this year’s league table, promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Columbus Crew’s Momentum
Columbus Crew has been a formidable force this season, showcasing consistent performances and strategic gameplay. As the reigning MLS champions, they will leverage their home advantage and strive to capitalize on Messi’s absence. Their robust lineup and tactical flexibility make them strong contenders for the quarter-finals. “We respect Miami’s capabilities, but we’re confident in our preparations and strategies,” said Columbus Crew’s head coach.
Seattle Sounders: Dominant in Opener
In the round-of-16 opener on Monday, the Seattle Sounders displayed a dominant performance, defeating Mexican side Pumas 4-0. Paul Rothrock’s header, assisted by Albert Rusnak, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Jordan Morris doubled the lead in the 58th minute with another assist from Rusnak. The Slovakian midfielder, Rusnak, then scored from a penalty shot in the 71st minute, and Morris sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
The Sounders, who also defeated Pumas in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final, demonstrated their prowess and are poised to maintain their winning streak. They will face the winner of Tuesday’s match between San Jose and Los Angeles FC in the quarter-finals.
Other Knockout Matches
Tuesday’s knockout matches promise intense competition, with Philadelphia facing Cincinnati, Cruz Azul up against Mazatlan, Tigres battling New York City, Toluca visiting Colorado, and Club America clashing with St. Louis. These matchups are critical in determining the quarter-final pairings for Friday and Saturday.
Conclusion
While Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Columbus Crew is a significant setback, it also provides an opportunity for other team members to step up and showcase their skills. The Leagues Cup continues to be a thrilling tournament, bringing together top talent from MLS and Liga MX and offering fans exciting football action. As the tournament progresses, the anticipation for each match grows, making it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts.
