Inter Miami are once again the favorites to go all the way in Leagues Cup this year, a feat made that more impressive with Lionel Messi out through injury.
The Argentine international has not kicked a ball for the Herons since the start of June, with Messi leaving for the Copa America that month and suffering an injury in the final that has kept the attacker out ever since.
With Messi not training with Inter Miami this week, fears are once again creeping up that the 37-year-old forward will miss yet another game for the Florida franchise, who tonight take on the Columbus Crew in Leagues Cup action.
And Inter Miami have now made a decision on if Messi will play in Ohio later today.
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Messi ruled out for Columbus Crew trip through injury
According to the Miami Herald, Messi will miss an 11th straight game for the Herons with the attacker not traveling to Columbus for tonight’s huge Leagues Cup tie against the Crew.
With Tata Martino claiming the Columbus Crew are the best team in MLS, Inter Miami missing their star forward for today’s away trip could be huge in whether or not the Florida franchise progresses to the quarter-finals of this summer’s competition.
Indeed, Messi missing another game will bring up fears that the forward could be out for longer than expected, with the attacker not seen in pink for well over two months.
And even with Messi aiming to play for Inter Miami before the September international break, this deadline is starting to feel out of reach with the attacker’s recovery taking much longer than everyone anticipated.
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Inter Miami will hope Messi is back before FC Cincinnati clash
Inter Miami have impressed without Messi, with the Herons suffering just two defeats since the attacker’s departure to the Copa America and subsequent spell out on the sideline through injury.
Yet with a big test in MLS coming up in the form of FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami will hope Messi is back before this huge tie, which could determine who wins the Supporters’ Shield come the end of the regular season.
Whilst frustration is understandably high on Messi’s return and the lack of real information, the Argentine returning for this tie in two weeks could be huge for Inter Miami, with the attacker’s late-season fitness vital.
