Messi Sidelined for Miami Leagues Cup Game in Columbus

Messi Sidelined for Miami Leagues Cup Game in Columbus

Argentine star Lionel Messi has been ruled out by Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino for Tuesday's Leagues Cup knockout match against reigning MLS champion Columbus. Messi has been sidelined since suffering a right ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final a month ago. He hasn't trained with his Miami teammates since shedding his walking boot.

The Leagues Cup, featuring clubs from MLS and Mexico's Liga MX, saw Messi lead Miami to the title in its inaugural season last year. The upcoming match between the Columbus Crew, last year's MLS champions, and Miami, currently leading the league, is one of eight games on Monday and Tuesday that will determine the quarter-final lineup for Friday and Saturday.

The round of 16 kicks off Monday with the Seattle Sounders hosting Mexico's Pumas, whom they defeated in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final. Tuesday's knockout matches include Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul vs. Mazatlan, Tigres vs. New York City, Toluca at Colorado, Club America at St. Louis, and San Jose at Los Angeles FC.