Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently confirmed that Lionel Messi will not be playing in the team’s upcoming Leagues Cup round-of-32 match against Toronto FC. This decision comes as Messi has not yet joined the team for training sessions following his return from Copa América due to an ankle injury. Despite ongoing progress in his recovery, Messi is still working on regaining full fitness in the gym rather than on the field.
On the other hand, Luis Suárez will be available for the clash against Toronto after overcoming a recurrent knee injury. Suárez had to miss out on the 2024 MLS All-Star match and the team’s final group stage game against Tigres due to this injury. Martino mentioned that Suárez has trained well with the team and will be ready to participate in the upcoming match.
Additionally, Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gómez are set to rejoin the team after coming back from international duty. Cremaschi featured for the U.S. in the Paris Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals, while Gómez represented Paraguay up to the same stage. Martino stated that both players are in good condition and available for selection, despite their differing levels of recent activity.
With most of the squad in good shape, Inter Miami will be aiming to secure a victory against Toronto to advance to the next round of the tournament. Martino emphasized the need for intensity and strong performance from his team in the upcoming match, highlighting the quality of Toronto FC as a tough opposition. He acknowledged the importance of approaching the game with respect for the opponent’s skill and the challenges they may present.
Overall, Inter Miami faces a significant test without Messi in the lineup, but the return of Suárez and the availability of other key players provide a boost to their chances. The team will need to execute their game plan effectively and maintain focus throughout the match to achieve a positive result and progress in the competition.
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