Setback for Inter Miami as Messi ruled out of Leagues Cup quarter-final

Setback for Inter Miami as Messi ruled out of Leagues Cup quarter-final

MIAMI, Aug 21 — Inter Miami were dealt a setback yesterday after Lionel Messi was ruled out of their Leagues Cup quarter-final clash with Tigres UANL, a day after coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the Argentine star was still struggling with injury.

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MIAMI, Aug 21 — Inter Miami were dealt a setback yesterday after Lionel Messi was ruled out of their Leagues Cup quarter-final clash with Tigres UANL, a day after coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the Argentine star was still struggling with injury.

Messi has been nursing a “minor” muscle problem since suffering the knock in a group-stage match against Necaxa on August 2. He returned to action last Saturday following a two-week layoff, coming off the bench to score in a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

However, the 38-year-old World Cup winner appeared uncomfortable during his second-half cameo and was absent from the squad announced ahead of the cross-border competition fixture between MLS and Liga MX clubs.

His absence is a major blow to Miami’s bid to reclaim the Leagues Cup crown they lifted in 2023 during Messi’s fairytale debut season in Major League Soccer.

Mascherano warned of a tough encounter against Tigres, the eight-time Mexican champions, calling them “a team with a lot of offensive power.”

Wednesday’s other quarter-finals saw Mexico’s Toluca face Orlando City, Los Angeles Galaxy meet Pachuca, and the Seattle Sounders host Puebla. — AFP

Lionel Messi’s absence is a blow to Miami’s hopes of regaining the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023 during the Argentine icon’s fairytale first season in Major League Soccer. — AFP pic

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