Inter Miami Faces Key Leagues Cup Quarterfinal Against Tigres UANL
Inter Miami face a pivotal Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL on Wednesday — a match that could shape their 2025 campaign. With MLS and the Leagues Cup the only trophies within reach this year, Lionel Messi’s absence carries significant weight.
Messi's Injury and Impact
Messi initially picked up a mild muscle injury in the Leagues Cup group match against Necaxa, which sidelined him for the subsequent games versus Pumas and Orlando City. Two weeks after that setback he returned against LA Galaxy, contributing a goal and an assist and raising hopes he'd be available for Tigres.
Those hopes faded this week when Messi experienced a recurrence of the issue and missed Tuesday’s training session. On Wednesday the club confirmed he would not be included in the squad for the quarterfinal due to continued physical discomfort.
Lineup Adjustments
Coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the impact of losing his star player and reshaped the lineup accordingly. Inter Miami added midfielder Yannick Bright to the starting XI to give Rodrigo De Paul greater license to join the attac...