Inter Miami go into their final game of the Leagues Cup group stage, against Pumas UNAM, still in with a chance of qualifying for the tournament’s knockout stages.
By James Nalton
Lionel Messi is currently an injury doubt and is being assessed on a game-by-game basis, leaving some doubts as to whether Javier Mascherano’s side can get the win they need to progress.
Messi injury update
Inter Miami confirmed that Messi picked up a “minor muscle injury” in the game against Necaxa, which saw him subbed off with just over ten minutes played.
“Yes, I spoke to him. The club issued a statement, and it’s [only] a slight injury, so within the bad news, it’s good news,” said Mascherano.
“We don’t like to estimate a return, especially in Leo’s case. He usually recovers very well from injuries and normally does so quickly.
“Clearly, for tomorrow, he is unavailable, but then we will see how he feels and how he progresses.”
Messi’s injury status can potentially have a big effect on ticket sales in the Leagues Cup and MLS, so the club will not want to rule him out for more than one game at a time, but he will definitely miss this game against Pumas.
Messi has missed four MLS games this season and his club have won two, drawn one, and lost one of those.
Opposition watch: Pumas UNAM
Pumas’ star goalkeeper Keylor Navas is suspended, having been sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity in the 95th minute against Atlanta United in the previous game.
The status of both players leaves the game without the eagerly anticipated face-off between Messi and Navas.
Pumas still won that game 3-2 and won their opener on penalties against Orlando City, leaving them in a similar position to Inter Miami, and still in with a chance of qualifying from the Liga MX side of the league phase.
The Liga MX outfit will still be able to call upon former Houston Dynamo midfielder and Panama international star Adalberto Carrasquilla.
The midfielder has scored three goals in the two matches Pumas have played in this tournament so far, including the all-important late winner against Atlanta, while striker Guillermo Martínez will be looking to get off the mark in this key matchup.
Inter Miami can still qualify
So far in this tournament, Inter Miami have one win on penalties and another in regular time. Penalty wins accrue two points, leaving them on five points with a game to play.
This means that Inter Miami will qualify for the next round with a win in regular time, but if the game goes to penalties, regardless of the outcome of the shootout, other MLS teams will have a good chance of getting in ahead of them.
With Pumas being in an almost identical situation, this game is a must-win for both, and Inter Miami will need to get the job done against Mexican opposition without Messi, which they were unable to do in the last game.
Prediction
It will be a competitive game with both teams looking to win and progress, and could result in a narrow defeat for a Messi-less Miami despite home advantage.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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