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Journalist Michelle Kaufman has said that Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is unlikely to feature in the Leagues Cup game with Tigres at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday (August 3). The 37-year-old has missed the last three games for the Herons since returning from 2024 Copa America.
Messi injured his ligament in the 1-0 extra-time win in the final over Colombia, coming off midway through the second half. Since then, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has missed two MLS games for the Herons as well as their Leagues Cup opener against Puebla FC last weekend.
Ahead of the clash with Tigres at the weekend, Kaufman expressed sceptism about the Argentina captain's availability, as he was still in protective boots till last Saturday. She told Inside Inter Miami (as per the Herons' website):
“The swelling has gone down, he’s walking a lot better, but he’s still wearing the boot as of Saturday. Tata said he’s going to have several more days in the boot. Once it’s off, then they’ll be able to evaluate when he start doing things on the field."
Messi last played for his club side nearly two months ago, in a 3-3 MLS home draw with St. Louis City, where he was on the scoresheet.
How has Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi has had an injury-plagued first full season in American football with Inter Miami, whom he joined last summer after 19 seasons in Europe, the last two with PSG.
Nevertheless, he has been fabulous when he has been available, as is evident from his numbers. In 15 games across competitions, La Pulga has contributed 14 goals and 11 assists.
Expectedly, most of those goal contributions - 12 goals and nine assists in 12 games - have come in MLS, where Tata Martino's side are five points clear atop the Eastern Conference after 26 rounds of games.
Messi has also bagged two goals and as many assists in three outings in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where the Herons lost 5-2 on aggregate to Monterrey in the quarter-final.
