On Monday, Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino announced that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will not participate in the team’s crucial Leagues Cup knockout match on Tuesday against the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew. Messi, who has been a pivotal figure for Inter Miami since his arrival, continues to be sidelined due to a right ankle injury he sustained over a month ago during Argentina’s 1-0 triumph over Colombia in the Copa America final.
The absence of Messi, who has yet to resume full training with his Miami teammates following his removal from a walking boot, is a significant blow for the team. His injury has prevented him from contributing to Miami’s campaign in the Leagues Cup, a tournament that brings together top clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, the premier Mexican football league. Messi played a crucial role in securing Miami’s inaugural Leagues Cup title last year, making his continued absence all the more impactful.
The Leagues Cup knockout stage features an intense matchup between Columbus Crew, last year’s MLS champions, and Inter Miami, who are currently leading the league table this year. This game is part of a series of crucial fixtures set to determine the quarter-final matchups, with the draw scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday.
In Monday’s round-of-16 opener, Seattle Sounders delivered an emphatic performance by defeating Mexican side Pumas 4-0. The Sounders’ victory was marked by a series of decisive plays that showcased their offensive prowess. Paul Rothrock scored the opening goal with a header from a centering pass by Albert Rusnak in the 32nd minute. Jordan Morris then doubled Seattle’s lead in the 58th minute, once again assisted by Rusnak.
Rusnak further cemented Seattle’s dominance by converting a penalty in the 71st minute, and Morris sealed the match with another penalty goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Seattle Sounders, who previously overcame Pumas in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final, will now prepare to face the winner of a Tuesday match between San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles FC. This continuation of the knockout rounds ensures that Seattle remains a formidable contender in the tournament.
Tuesday’s knockout stage also includes several other high-stakes matches. Philadelphia Union will travel to Cincinnati to face FC Cincinnati, while Cruz Azul will go up against Mazatlán FC. Additionally, Tigres UANL will compete against New York City FC, Toluca will play at Colorado Rapids, and Club América will visit St. Louis City SC. Each of these fixtures represents a critical opportunity for teams to advance further into the tournament, with the outcomes contributing to the overall excitement of the Leagues Cup competition.
