Lionel Messi could not play in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup quarter-final against Tigres UANL on Wednesday. Just a day earlier, coach Javier Mascherano said the Argentine legend was still not fully fit. Messi has been dealing with a small muscle injury since Miami’s group match against Necaxa on August 2. After missing two weeks, he returned last Saturday, coming off the bench to score in a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy.
But during that game, the 38-year-old World Cup winner looked uncomfortable and in some pain. As a result, his name was missing from the official lineup before the big clash in the tournament featuring MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX clubs.
Messi missing from the lineup is a major setback for Inter Miami as they aim to win back the Leagues Cup, which they lifted in 2023 during Messi’s amazing first season in Major League Soccer.
Miami’s clash with Tigres was one of four Leagues Cup quarter-final matches on Wednesday. The other games saw Toluca play Orlando City, Los Angeles Galaxy host Pachuca, and Seattle Sounders face Puebla at home.
FAQ
Why is Lionel Messi ruled out of the quarter-final against Tigres UANL?
Messi is sidelined due to a minor muscle injury that has troubled him since a Leagues Cup group match against Necaxa on August 2nd.
When did Messi last play before this match?
Messi returned on Saturday after a two-week absence, scoring as a substitute in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Los Angeles Galaxy.
How does Messi’s absence affect Inter Miami’s title hopes?
His absence is a big setback, as Miami aim to defend the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023 during Messi’s first MLS season.
What did coach Javier Mascherano say about Tigres?
Mascherano described Tigres as “a team with a lot of offensive power” and predicted a tough test for Miami without Messi.
