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MLS leaders Inter Miami are almost back to their best, but the club’s legendary captain is still out.
Lionel Messi’s ligament injury in his right ankle is improving, but he will still miss Inter Miami’s match against Toronto in the round of 32 of the Leagues Cup on Thursday.
“(Leo) is getting better, getting better every day,” Inter Miami coach Tara Martino said Wednesday. “He’s still in the gym, but he’s looking better and better. He’s within the timelines we set for him.”
Although Inter Miami has not announced a timeframe for Messi’s return, Messi appears to be on track. However, he will miss his fifth consecutive game since sustaining an injury in the Copa America final on July 14.
Inter Miami has brought back two players from the Paris Olympics: U.S. soccer midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and Paraguayan star Diego Gomez. Martino said both will be available for the game in Toronto.
Martino also said that Luis Suarez, who did not play in the game against Tigres despite having already secured his place in the round of 32, will also return to action against Toronto.
Inter Miami has won seven of nine games without Messi since he moved to Argentina for the Copa America in early June. The club, which leads all MLS teams with 53 points in the regular season, won the Leagues Cup last year.
How to watch Inter Miami vs Toronto FC live stream?
The Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC game at 7:30 p.m. ET will be available through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Is Messi playing?
No, Messi is still unable to play due to a ligament injury to his right ankle sustained in the Copa America final on July 14.
Which team would Inter Miami face in the round of 16?
The winner of the Inter Miami-Toronto match will face the winner of Friday’s game between Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City.
Inter Miami loses home advantage in Leagues Cup
Inter Miami’s 2-1 loss to Tigres UANL in Houston last Saturday cost them the chance to secure home advantage on their side of the tournament, but both clubs still made it to the round of 32 after defeating Puebla in the group stage.
Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 32 fixture list
League Cup matches on Wednesday, August 7
∎LAFC vs. Austin FC, 10:30 p.m. ET
∎Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM, 10:30 p.m. ET
League Cup matches on Thursday, August 8
∎Inter Miami CF vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎Tigres vs. Club Pachuca, 9 p.m. ET
∎Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m. ET
∎San Jose Earthquakes vs. Club Necaxa, 11 p.m. ET
League Cup matches on Friday, August 9
∎FC Cincinnati vs. Santos Laguna, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎Columbus Crew vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎Orlando City SC vs. Cruz Azul, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎Philadelphia Union vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎New England Revolution vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎DC United vs. Mazatlán, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎Toluca – Houston Dynamo, 8:30 p.m. ET
∎St. Louis City vs. Portland Timbers, 8:30 p.m. ET
∎FC Juarez vs. Colorado Rapids, 9:30 p.m. ET
∎Club America vs Atlas, 10:00 p.m. ET
League Cup Important appointments
∎12-13 August: Round of 16
∎16-17 August: Quarter Finals
∎21 August: Semifinal
∎25 August: Final, match for third place
