Lionel Messi ruled out of MLS Leagues Cup knockout game

Defending champions Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is ruled out from the side’s Leagues Cup round-of-16 fixture against Columbus Crew. The decision has been made by coach Gerardo Martino, as Messi remains injured from a serious blow he suffered in his right ankle during the Copa America final against Colombia.

It has been learned that the Argentine legend hasn’t yet trained with his clubmates after suffering the injury a month back. Gerardo Martino surely took the decision to help his side’s biggest star become fully fit for the upcoming season.

Messi’s absence will surely be the biggest blow for the defending champions, as the forward was one the biggest assets for the team last season. Inter Miami edged past Toronto in the round-of-32 fixture, which was a thrilling goal-fest. But, this time the stakes are higher. The side will be locking horns with the reigning MLS champions for a quarter-final berth.

Opponents Columbus Crew dominated against Sporting KC in RO32 to reach here. Both sides are having an impressive season in MLS. Inter Miami, with their star-studded team, are leading the Eastern Conference with 53 points. The Columbus Crew are placed in third spot with 43 points, having played two games less. Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel and Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández are expected to be the star performers of this clash.

The high-voltage fixture will be played at the Lower.com Field, located in Ohio in the United States. This fixture is from the MLS Leagues Cup game, which is a tournament fought between USA’s MLS & Mexico’s Liga MX teams.