Messi – MLS leaders Inter Miami are approaching full strength, but their legendary captain, Lionel Messi, remains out of action.
Messi is recovering from a right ankle ligament injury, which is showing positive progress. However, he will not be available for Inter Miami’s upcoming Leagues Cup Round of 32 match against Toronto FC on Thursday.
Inter Miami coach Tara Martino shared an update on Wednesday, saying, “[Leo is] improving every day. He’s still working out in the gym, and it’s looking better and better. His recovery is within the timeline we anticipated.”
Though no official return date has been disclosed, Messi seems to be on the right track. Despite this, he will miss his fifth consecutive match since suffering the injury during the Copa America final on July 14.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami has reintegrated two players from the Paris Olympics: U.S. midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and Paraguayan standout Diego Gomez. Martino confirmed that both players will be available for the Toronto match.
Martino also noted that Luis Suarez, who was rested during the Tigres match after securing a Round-of-32 spot, will return to action against Toronto.
Since Messi joined Argentina for the Copa America in early June, Inter Miami has won seven out of nine matches without him. The club, which currently leads all MLS teams with 53 points in the regular season standings, was also the Leagues Cup champion last year.
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC Live Stream
The Inter Miami match against Toronto FC at 7:30 p.m. ET will be streamed live via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Is Messi Playing?
No, Messi remains sidelined due to his right ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final on July 14.
Which Team Could Inter Miami Face in the Round of 16?
The winner of the Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC match will face the winner of Friday’s match between Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City.
Inter Miami Loses Home-Field Advantage in Leagues Cup
Inter Miami’s 2-1 loss to Tigres UANL in Houston last Saturday cost the club home-field advantage on their side of the tournament bracket. However, both teams advanced to the Round of 32 after defeating Puebla in group play.
Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 32 Schedule
Wednesday, August 7
LAFC vs Austin FC, 10:30 p.m. ET
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM, 10:30 p.m. ET
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
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
D.C. United vs Mazatlán, 7:30 p.m. ET
Toluca vs 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 p.m. ET
Leagues Cup Dates to Remember
August 12-13: Round of 16
August 16-17: Quarterfinals
August 21: Semifinals
