For the second time this year, the Columbus Crew will face an Inter Miami squad missing their star forward, Lionel Messi. Messi has been ruled out for the Leagues Cup round of 16 match scheduled for Tuesday. This absence continues a trend, as the Argentine forward has missed multiple games due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America tournament.
Messi’s Absence and its Implications
Messi’s absence has been felt keenly by Inter Miami. Since the conclusion of the Copa America, where Argentina reached the final on July 14, Messi has been sidelined with a right ankle injury. This injury has not only kept him out of MLS play but also impacted his availability for important matches.
Earlier in the season, on June 19, Columbus Crew faced Miami and lost 2-1 in a match where both Messi and Luis Suarez were unavailable. The two stars had departed to join their national teams for Copa America training. Messi’s injury has also kept him out of the MLS All-Star Game held in Columbus on July 24. Suarez, dealing with knee discomfort, missed that game as well.
Miami’s Performance Without Messi
Despite the absence of their captain, Miami has shown resilience. Suarez has returned to play since the start of Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign on July 27. While they experienced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Tigres in the group stage, Miami bounced back with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Toronto FC, even after being reduced to 10 men following a red card for David Martinez.
Last season, Messi played a pivotal role as Miami clinched the inaugural Leagues Cup during his debut matches in MLS. The Crew, on the other hand, were eliminated in the round of 32.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
The upcoming clash between the Crew and Miami is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, at Lower.com Field. The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals, adding another layer of excitement to this already highly anticipated contest.
Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami was a game-changer for the club. His presence on the field not only elevates the team’s performance but also significantly boosts its global profile. His absence thus becomes doubly impactful.
The Ankle Injury
- Nature of the Injury: Messi suffered a right ankle injury during the Copa America final on July 14.
- Recovery Timeline: The injury has sidelined him for multiple games, including crucial fixtures in both MLS and the Leagues Cup.
Previous Encounters
- June 19 Match: Messi and Suarez missed the game due to national team commitments.
- MLS All-Star Game: Both players were absent, Messi due to his ankle injury and Suarez due to knee discomfort.
Inter Miami’s Form Without Messi
Inter Miami has had to adapt quickly to the absence of their talismanic captain. The team’s ability to perform without Messi speaks to their depth and resilience.
Leagues Cup Performance
- Group Stage: Miami lost 2-1 to Tigres.
- Victory Against Toronto FC: Miami secured a 4-3 win despite being reduced to 10 men.
Return of Suarez
Luis Suarez’s return has been a significant boost for Miami. His experience and skill have helped the team navigate through the challenges posed by Messi’s absence.
FAQs
How long is Messi expected to be out due to his ankle injury?
The exact timeline for Messi’s return is uncertain. His recovery is being closely monitored, and he will return to action once he is fully fit.
How has Miami performed in the Leagues Cup without Messi?
Miami has had a mixed performance in the Leagues Cup without Messi. They lost to Tigres in the group stage but managed a thrilling 4-3 win against Toronto FC.
What was the outcome of the previous match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami?
In their previous encounter on June 19, Columbus Crew lost 2-1 to Inter Miami. Both Messi and Suarez were absent for that match.
How important is Suarez’s return for Miami?
Suarez’s return is crucial for Miami. His experience and skill provide much-needed stability and creativity in the absence of Messi.
When is the next match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami?
The next match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field.
Conclusion
The upcoming match between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami promises to be an exciting contest, even in Messi’s absence. Miami’s resilience and the return of Suarez add layers of intrigue to this encounter. As both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals, fans can expect a thrilling display of soccer.
