Inter Miami’s coach Gerardo Martino announced on Monday that Argentine star Lionel Messi will not participate in the Leagues Cup knockout match against reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew on Tuesday.
Messi continues to recover from a right ankle injury sustained a month ago during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final. Since then, he has not trained with his Miami teammates after recently removing a walking boot.
The Leagues Cup features teams from MLS and Liga MX, and Messi played a crucial role in securing Miami’s inaugural title last year.
The upcoming match between Columbus Crew, the MLS champions from last year, and Inter Miami, the top team in the league standings this season, is one of eight matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. These games will determine the quarter-final pairings set for Friday and Saturday.
The round of 16 commenced on Monday with the Seattle Sounders facing Mexico’s Pumas. Seattle previously triumphed over Pumas in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final.
Additional knockout matches on Tuesday include Philadelphia Union at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul taking on Mazatlan, Tigres against New York City, Toluca visiting Colorado, Club America at St. Louis, and San Jose battling Los Angeles FC.
