Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has disclosed that Lionel Messi will be absent from the team’s upcoming Leagues Cup round-of-32 match against Toronto FC. This decision comes as Messi has not participated in training sessions with the team since sustaining an ankle injury during Copa América. Martino mentioned in a news conference that Messi is making progress in his recovery but is currently limited to gym sessions rather than field training.
On a positive note, Luis Suárez is set to make a return for the game at Chase Stadium after dealing with a recurring knee injury. Suárez had to withdraw from the 2024 MLS All Star match and missed the team’s last group stage encounter against Tigres. Martino confirmed Suárez’s availability, emphasizing that the forward has trained adequately and is on par with the rest of the squad. Although Suárez previously experienced knee discomfort, the team has been monitoring his condition on a day-to-day basis.
Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gómez are also anticipated to rejoin the Inter Miami team after fulfilling their international duties. Cremaschi competed for the U.S. in the Paris Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals before exiting to Morocco, while Gómez represented Paraguay up to the quarterfinals. Martino expressed satisfaction with their physical condition, noting that although their return paths differed due to varying levels of activity, both players are deemed fit to participate and will be part of the squad for the upcoming match.
With a majority of the squad available for selection, Inter Miami will aim to secure a victory against Toronto FC to progress to the subsequent stage of the tournament. Martino highlighted the importance of the forthcoming game, emphasizing the need for a high-intensity performance from his team. He acknowledged Toronto’s recent form despite their lower position on the table, recognizing the challenge that awaits them. Martino stressed the difficulty of the match ahead and the significance of delivering a strong performance to advance in the competition.
This revised article delves into the injury statuses of Messi and Suárez, the return of Cremaschi and Gómez, and Inter Miami’s strategy for the upcoming Leagues Cup clash against Toronto FC. It encapsulates the key points from the original information while presenting them in a distinct manner with a renewed focus on each aspect discussed.
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