Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami? Leagues Cup team news

Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defence begins on Saturday evening with a home Game against Puebla of Liga MX. The Herons stormed to the 2023 title, inspired by the midseason arrival of Lionel Messi.

However this time around they will have to begin their Leagues Cup journey without their Argentinian star as the 37-year-old recovers from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final. Messi was forced to limp from the field in Argentina’s win over Colombia after suffering damage to his right ankle.

Inter Miami confirmed the injury in the following days but have offered no official updates since then, frustrating supporters eager to know when he will return. At a recent public appearance Messi was wearing a sturdy ankle boot, suggesting that his return to first-team action is not particularly close.

Inter Miami confirmed team news to play Puebla

Many thought that Inter Miami would struggle once Lionel Messi had left for Copa América but the Herons have thrived in his absence. Since Messi and striker partner Luis Suarez left for international duty Miami have won five out of their last six MLS Games, leaving them with a coMMAnding lead at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Head coach Tata Martino has been forced to shuffle his pack and has coaxed impressive performances from some of his less illustrious names. Yannick Bright has added grit and dynamism to the heart of midfield, allowing Sergio Busquets to drop back into the centre of defence in recent weeks. With Bright providing defensive cover Fernando Redondo has starred in a freer midfield role, contributing two goals and an assist in the recent 3-1 win over Toronto. Both start again against Puebla.

Inter Miami confirmed starting XI: CJ dos Santos - Jordi Alba, David Martinez, Sergio Busquets, Marcelo Weigandt - Federico Redondo, Yannick Bright, Matias Rojas - Robert Taylor, Luis Suarez, Julian Gressel

“We assembled a deep roster knowing all the absences we would have between Copa América, Olympics and injuries, and we are in a good position,” Martino said when asked about his squad, which is currently suffering from a number of injury absences. “But we will not be at full strength until the end of August. We won’t see our complete roster during Leagues Cup.”