Lionel Messi (foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi will not feature for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup knockout match against Columbus on Tuesday, as confirmed by Miami coach Gerardo Martino.
The Argentine superstar is still recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final a month ago.
Messi, who played a crucial role in Miami's victory in last year's inaugural Leagues Cup, has been sidelined since the injury and has yet to return to training with his teammates. The absence of Messi is a significant blow for Miami as they face last year's MLS champions, the Columbus Crew, in a highly anticipated clash that is part of the tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX clubs.
The Leagues Cup knockout stage is heating up, with eight matches on Tuesday set to determine the quarter-final pairings for Friday and Saturday. Among the key fixtures, the match between Columbus and Miami stands out, given the high stakes and the absence of Messi, who has been a pivotal figure for Miami since his arrival.
In other Leagues Cup action, the Seattle Sounders secured a 4-0 victory over Mexican side Pumas in Monday's round-of-16 opener. Goals from Paul Rothrock, Jordan Morris, and Albert Rusnak sealed the win for Seattle, who will now await the winner of the match between San Jose and Los Angeles FC to determine their next opponent.
Tuesday's knockout matches also include exciting encounters such as Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul against Mazatlan, Tigres against New York City, Toluca at Colorado, and Club America at St. Louis. These matches will shape the tournament's quarter-final lineup, as teams vie for the coveted Leagues Cup title.