Inter Miami today travel to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew in what could be the most exciting Leagues Cup tie from the Round of 16.
As always, though, with Inter Miami, the main talking point surrounding the fixture has centered around Lionel Messi and the attacker’s fitness, with the Argentine not playing for the Florida franchise since early June.
With Messi ruled out to face Columbus Crew due to injury, the Herons could be in for a difficult game this evening at Lower.com Field, even with Inter Miami viewed as Leagues Cup favorites by Sacha Kljestan.
And Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has shared his verdict on Messi missing tonight’s game.
Wilfried Nancy wished Messi was fit to play for Inter Miami
Speaking to the press ahead of tonight’s game, Nancy revealed that he had been hoping to face Messi, with the French coach yet to take on Inter Miami with the Argentine international in the matchday squad for the Herons.
With Inter Miami beating the Crew 2-1 earlier this summer, the Columbus franchise will be looking for revenge in their bid to win Leagues Cup, with Nancy last year claiming MLS Cup after an impressive run to the final.
Yet for the French coach, Nancy is seemingly disappointed that Messi won’t be featuring for Inter Miami tonight in Columbus, with the Crew manager eager to take on the reigning Ballon d’Or holder in MLS.
Nancy said on Messi’s absence: “I’m hoping that Messi can play, because it will be the first time, but it’s not possible for the moment. But you know me, I like to prepare the game in a logical way. So the idea is to analyze Miami. We know that they have good players and it’s going to be a good game to play.”
Messi will be frustrated to miss out on another Inter Miami game
Inter Miami’s trip to Columbus tonight will make it 11 straight games Messi has missed for the Herons, the longest stretch the forward has fone without playing for the Florida franchise since joining last year.
Whilst Inter Miami are rightly being cautious with Messi’s injury, the attacker himself could be frustrated over missing out on another game for his club, especially with this summer’s Leagues Cup beginning to heat up.
Indeed, Messi wants to play for Inter Miami before the September international break, and fans will hope the Argentine can do just that as the forward continues his recovery.