Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has officially stated that Lionel Messi will not be participating in the team’s upcoming Leagues Cup round-of-32 clash against Toronto FC. This decision is due to Messi’s ongoing recovery from an ankle injury he sustained during Copa América. According to Martino, Messi has been training in the gym rather than on the field as he continues to work towards full fitness. While the Argentine star is improving each day, he has not yet reached a level where he can compete in a match.
On the other hand, Luis Suárez will be making his return to the team for the match against Toronto FC. Suárez had been dealing with a knee injury that forced him to miss the 2024 MLS All Star match and the team’s previous group stage game. However, after training well and showing no signs of discomfort, Suárez is deemed fit to play in the upcoming fixture. Martino expressed his confidence in Suárez’s readiness and inclusion in the squad.
In addition to Suárez’s return, Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gómez are set to rejoin the team after completing their international duties. Cremaschi represented the U.S. in the Paris Olympics, while Gómez played for Paraguay in the same tournament. Despite their varying levels of activity, both players are reported to be in good condition and available for selection in the upcoming match against Toronto FC. Martino emphasized the importance of having a full squad at his disposal for the crucial fixture.
With the majority of the squad at his disposal, Martino is focused on guiding Inter Miami to victory against Toronto FC in order to advance to the next round of the Leagues Cup. He highlighted the need for intensity and performance from his players, acknowledging Toronto’s quality and the challenge they will pose. Martino expressed his belief that despite Toronto’s lower position in the standings, they have the ability to make the match difficult for his team. Looking ahead, Martino stressed the importance of approaching the match with a winning mentality and determination to secure the desired result.
Inter Miami faces a significant test in the Leagues Cup without the presence of Lionel Messi but with the return of key players like Luis Suárez. Gerardo Martino’s strategic decisions and the team’s collective effort will determine their success in the upcoming match against Toronto FC.
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