Lionel Messi was ruled out of Inter Miami`s Leagues Cup quarter-final against Tigres UANL on Wednesday, a day after coach Javier Mascherano revealed the Argentine superstar was still struggling with injury. Messi, who has battled a “minor” muscle injury since a Leagues Cup group match against Necaxa on August 2, had returned to Miami`s lineup Saturday after a two-week absence, scoring a goal after coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.
However the 38-year-old World Cup winner looked to be in physical discomfort during his second-half appearance, and he was not in the lineup announced before the clash in the cross-border club competition for teams from Major League Soccer and Mexico`s Liga-MX. 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.
Mascherano predicted a stiff test against Tigres, the eight-time Mexican champions, describing them as “a team with a lot of offensive power.” Miami`s game with Tigres was one of four Leagues Cup quarter-finals set for Wednesday. Mexico`s Toluca face Orlando City before Los Angeles Galaxy host Pachuca, while the Seattle Sounders take on Puebla at home.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
