Inter Miami are chasing a spot in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, but they’ll have to do it without their captain. Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Wednesday’s matchup against Pumas UNAM (7:30 PM ET) due to a minor muscle injury suffered last Saturday vs. Necaxa. While the medical report brought some relief, it still forces head coach Javier Mascherano to adjust his lineup and find a winning formula without his star.
That’s the big question for Mascherano. There’s no direct replacement for the Argentine legend, so the plan appears to be Tadeo Allende partnering Luis Suárez up front, while Federico Redondo steps into the midfield to bring balance.
Projected Starting XI: Rocco Ríos Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Rodrigo De Paul, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez.
Good news for Inter came from the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee, which overturned Falcón’s red card (received vs. Necaxa for a foul on Cambindo), meaning he’ll be available from the start.
Goalkeeper situation
There’s been movement in goal, too. Óscar Ustari and Drake Callender returned to training, but neither will feature against Pumas. Ustari hasn’t been cleared medically yet, and Callender is still recovering from hernia surgery with complications.
So, Rocco Ríos Novo—who’s been solid, showing confidence and command—will once again be the man between the posts.
Mascherano addressed Messi’s injury: “It’s a minor injury. Given the circumstances, it’s actually good news. We don’t like setting timelines, but he won’t be playing tomorrow. Once he’s ready, he’ll return.”
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Focused without Leo
Despite Messi’s absence, Inter still boast plenty of experience, and with Rodrigo De Paul recently joining, the team looks sharp and determined. The goal is to take all three points, avoid relying on other results, and lock in a spot among the final eight.
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Lionel Messi to lose Inter Miami star? Javier Mascherano casts doubt on World Cup winner’s future
All eyes are now on a potential Messi return for the knockout rounds, with fans dreaming of repeating the 2023 title run.
Pumas UNAM projected XI (Coach: Efraín Juárez):
Rodrigo Parra; Pablo Bennevendo, Nathan Silva, Rubén Duarte, Álvaro Ángulo; José Caicedo, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Rodrigo López, Pedro Vite, Jorge Ruvalcaba; Guillermo Martínez.
