Messi sidelined as Inter Miami begins Leagues Cup defence
Lionel Messi will not play for Inter Miami as the defending Leagues Cup champions start their title defence on Saturday against Puebla, coach Gerardo Martino confirmed on Friday.
The 37-year-old Argentine striker sustained a right ankle injury during Argentina’s victory over Colombia in the Copa America final earlier this month. Messi missed two MLS matches last week and the MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday.
Martino provided an update on Messi’s condition, stating that he remains in a walking boot but “the ankle is getting better and better.”
Messi joined Inter Miami last year and played a pivotal role in the club’s championship run during the inaugural Leagues Cup, which features teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX in a World Cup-style format.
This year’s tournament consists of 15 three-team groups in the first round, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages, alongside reigning champions Club America and the Columbus Crew.
In Friday’s opening matches, Orlando routed Montreal 4-1, DC United triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Atlanta, and 10-man Austin edged Mexico’s Pumas 3-2.
(Source: AFP)
