What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Lionel Messi, the star player for Inter Miami, will not participate in the upcoming Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Tigres UANL due to a minor muscle injury. The injury was initially sustained on August 2 during a match against Necaxa. Messi has since missed subsequent games, including a Leagues Cup match against Pumas and an MLS match against Orlando City. Despite returning as a substitute in a recent MLS game against LA Galaxy, where he scored and assisted in a 3-1 victory, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano indicated that Messi's discomfort persists, leading to his absence from the crucial quarterfinal match.
Why It's Important?
Messi's absence is significant for Inter Miami as they face Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. His leadership and performance have been pivotal for the team, as evidenced by his leading 19 goals in MLS. The team's ability to advance in the tournament without their star player will be tested, impacting their strategy and morale. Additionally, Messi's injury highlights the physical demands on players and the importance of managing athlete health, which can influence team dynamics and performance in high-stakes competitions.
What's Next?
The winner of the quarterfinal match between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL will proceed to the semifinals, facing the victor of the Toluca-Orlando City match. Inter Miami will need to adjust their lineup and tactics to compensate for Messi's absence, potentially relying on other key players to step up. The outcome of this match could affect the team's momentum in the tournament and their standing in the broader MLS competition.
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