Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC Leagues Cup Match
Messi’s Ankle Injury Keeps Him Out for Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC Leagues Cup Match
Lionel Messi, the legendary soccer star, will be absent from Inter Miami‘s upcoming Leagues Cup match against Toronto FC due to an ankle injury. Messi sustained the injury while playing for Argentina in the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14. As a result, he will miss his fourth consecutive game and the 16th game this season.
Despite the setback, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino remains optimistic about Messi’s recovery, noting that Messi is progressing as expected. Though Messi is out of the protective boot and working in the gym, he has not yet returned to field training. Martino hopes to have the full roster back in the next week or two, except for Facundo Farias and Nico Freire, who are dealing with long-term injuries.
Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Journey Without Messi
Inter Miami, the defending Leagues Cup champions, will face Toronto FC in the Round of 32 on Thursday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Although Messi’s absence is a significant blow, the team is determined to continue its quest for another title. The MLS season will resume at the end of August, and Messi is expected to return to the field for Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in early September if fully healthy.
The winner of Thursday’s match will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City on the road. Inter Miami has been strong in the MLS this season, currently sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. Toronto FC, meanwhile, is in eighth place with 30 points.
Key Players to Watch in Inter Miami vs Toronto FC
Toronto FC, despite its lower standing, is not to be underestimated. The team recently defeated Mexican club Pachuca and has high-quality players such as Italian imports Federico Bernardeschi from Juventus and Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli. Inter Miami forward Leo Campana, who has been in good form, will be crucial in the match. Campana recently scored his 29th goal for Inter Miami, tying Gonzalo Higuain’s record for the most goals in the club’s history.
Campana, who has played for the Ecuadorian national team, has faced tough competition for playing time at Inter Miami. However, he remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and is ready to step up in Messi’s absence.
Other Inter Miami Updates
In other team news, forward Shanyder Borgelin is expected to leave Inter Miami for the Danish league. Midfielder Diego Gomez and teenager Benjamin Cremaschi have returned from the Paris Olympics and are available for selection against Toronto FC. Additionally, Inter Miami recently acquired an international roster spot from the Colorado Rapids for $100,000, which they may use in the future.
How to Watch the Inter Miami vs Toronto FC Match
The Leagues Cup game between Inter Miami and Toronto FC will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster, and the match will be televised on Apple TV MLS Season Pass.
Inter Miami faces a challenging road ahead, but with or without Messi, the team is prepared to give its all in the Leagues Cup. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs in this crucial match.
KaranRathod