Inter Miami will be without star forward Lionel Messi as they commence their defense of the Leagues Cup on Saturday against Puebla. Coach Gerardo Martino confirmed Messi’s absence on Friday, citing an ankle injury.
The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a right ankle injury during Argentina’s Copa America victory over Colombia earlier this month. Messi’s injury has kept him sidelined, causing him to miss two MLS matches last week and Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars.
Martino provided an update on Messi’s condition, stating that the player is still wearing a walking boot but is showing signs of improvement. “The ankle is getting better and better,” Martino assured.
Messi joined Inter Miami last year and was instrumental in the club’s title run in the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup, which features a mix of MLS and Mexican clubs in a World Cup-style format. This year’s competition begins with 15 three-team groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. Reigning league champions Club America and the MLS Columbus Crew automatically advance to the knockout rounds.
The tournament’s opening matches took place on Friday, with host Orlando City SC dominating CF Montreal 4-1, DC United winning 6-5 on penalties after a 3-3 draw against Atlanta United, and a 10-man Austin FC edging out Mexico’s Pumas 3-2.
Orlando City’s victory was spearheaded by goals from Icelandic midfielder Dagur Thorhallsson, Uruguay’s Facundo Torres, Argentine striker Ramiro Enrique, and Argentina’s Martin Ojeda. Montreal’s Josef Martinez, a Venezuelan midfielder, scored their only goal to prevent a shutout.
Austin FC secured their win despite being reduced to ten men in the 34th minute after Osman Bukari’s red card. Goals from Alexander Ring, Gyasi Zardes, and Sebastian Driussi gave Austin the edge, while Pumas responded with goals from Guillermo Martinez and Ali Avila. Austin’s goalkeeper, Stefan Cleveland, made a crucial penalty save in stoppage time to ensure victory.
In another development, DC United’s home match against Santos Laguna next Wednesday has been relocated to Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, due to concerns over field conditions at Audi Field in Washington. Leagues Cup organizers fined DC United an undisclosed amount for the poor conditions, and the club announced plans to install a new grass field on July 31, a day earlier than initially scheduled.
