Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew? Report provides update
Lionel Messi Inter Miami will continue their defense of the Leagues Cup as they take on Columbus Crew in the round of 16. Meanwhile, fans are curious to know if their Argentine star will feature in the clash or not.
As per reports, Lionel Messi will not feature in Inter Miami’s match with Columbus Crew as he continues to recover from his ankle ligament injury. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sustained a sprained ankle in his country’s clash with Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. And since then, he has yet to play in any match for the Herons.
Last year, Lionel Messi played an integral part in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup triumph with an impressive 10 goals in seven games. Inter Miami secured their spot in the last 16 of the Leagues Cup after securing a nail-biter of a victory against Toronto in the round of 32.
According to Diario AS, Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, has said that he doesn’t have a precise time for when Lionel Messi will return to action. He said:
"Leo is progressing as expected, but there’s still no precise date for when he might rejoin the group. He continues to work separately. Leo’s absence affects us in different ways. At times, his absence is compounded by the absence of other key players. But even when it’s just him missing, it’s a significant factor."
He added:
"We’ve aimed to build not only a competitive team but also a competitive squad. When everyone is available, we are much more reliable and capable of truly competing. Our priority is to resolve the situation with Leo as quickly as possible while maintaining our competitiveness in his absence.”
While multiple reports have claimed that Lionel Messi is likely to return early in September, the predicted time is starting to seem far-fetched, with his recovery taking longer than expected.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami eye Cesar Montes: Reports
As per MARCA, Inter Miami are poised to strengthen their defensive unit, and they have identified UD Almería’s Cesar Montes as a possible signing. The Herons gaffer, Tata Martino, is in fact interested in the Mexican centre-back, having coached him in the Mexico national team.
Apart from being interested in him, the Argentine manager is also encouraging the possibility of his arrival at Inter Miami. Speaking on Montes' style of play and personality, Martino said:
"Everything I have to say about him is positive, as a footballer and also personally and professionally. I like him a lot, but I have nothing more to say. One thing is what I think of Cesar and another is the possibilities we have."
On leaving the door open for possible signing, he said:
''The transfer window closes in three or four days, and we are always open. But the search for a central defender is covered with the arrival of David. From then on, whatever comes, if it's a player like Cesar, it's welcome."
Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, one of their obvious weakness is their defensive frailties. The fans, however, haven’t been quiet about it, as they have taken to social media numerous times to voice their complaints about it.