Lionel Messi To Miss Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Opener

Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi, will not be participating in Inter Miami’s upcoming match as they kick off their campaign to defend their Leagues Cup title.

Inter Miami are scheduled to take on Puebla at home at 1 a.m. Nigeria time on Sunday, July 28 without Lionel Messi.

Ahead of the game, Miami coach Gerardo Martino confirmed that Messi will be absent from the match due to a right ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final.

Despite the setback, Martino mentioned that Messi’s condition is gradually improving as he continues to work with the club’s trainers while wearing a walking boot.

Messi’s impact on Inter Miami was evident last year as he led the club to victory in the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup, showcasing his prowess in the World Cup-style tournament that features teams from both MLS and Mexico.

The competition’s group stage consists of 15 three-team groups, from which two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages, alongside reigning league champions Club America and the MLS Columbus Crew.

In the recent opening matches, Orlando secured a dominant 4-1 victory against Montreal, DC United emerged triumphant with a 6-5 win on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Atlanta, and ten-man Austin claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over Mexico’s Pumas.

Notable performances from Icelandic midfielder Dagur Thorhallsson, Uruguay’s Facundo Torres, and Argentine striker Ramiro Enrique contributed to Orlando’s early lead, while Austin’s goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland made a crucial penalty save to ensure victory despite being a man down.