Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup 2024 round of 16 exit at Columbus Crew could have been “different” had Lionel Messi been involved, midfielder Sergio Busquets has said.
Joint-top scorer Messi is training individually because of an ankle injury he sustained during Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia on July 15.
“I wish we could have had him with us but football brings injuries and setbacks,” Busquets said. “We know the difference Leo makes.
“He is very important and it has been a shame not to be able to enjoy him because I’m sure it would have made things different and we would have had many more possibilities.”
GOLAZO CON CONEXIÓN ALBIROJA 🇵🇾✨ pic.twitter.com/xwu12xz1Sf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 13, 2024
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Inter Miami: Leagues Cup defeat
Messi’s 10 goals, including one in the final against Nashville, made him the top scorer as Inter won the 2023 Leagues Cup for the first silverware in their six-year existence.
The trophy was also Messi’s first at club level outside of Europe following his move to the MLS from Paris St-Germain in 2023.
Inter’s Leagues Cup defence looked to be going smoothly at Columbus when Matias Rojas’ diving header gave them a 10th-minute lead and Diego Gomez collected Luis Suarez’s pass to score the second with 28 minutes remaining.
They remained firmly on course to progress until midway through the second half, when two goals in three minutes – the first from Christian Ramirez, the equaliser from Diego Rossi – drew Columbus level.
Rossi’s winner 10 minutes from time sent the MLS Cup holders through and ensured Miami’s only interest now is in their league campaign, in which Messi’s 12 goals make him their leading marksman alongside Suarez.
Suárez que lo entiende todo y Gómez que no falla en @LeaguesCup 🇺🇾🤝🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/7rHHtsMqib
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 14, 2024
Messi injury latest
Miami are top of the Eastern Conference by five points, although Columbus could prove their greatest threat, standing 10 points behind with two matches in hand.
Messi last played for them on February 6, scoring in a draw with St Louis City before a knee problem initially sidelined the 37-year-old.
“We don’t know when he can be back but I hope he recovers as soon as possible,” said Busquets. “With all of us [available], we are a very difficult team to beat.”
