Inter Miami’s elimination in the round of 16 of the 2024 Leagues Cup at Columbus Crew could have turned out “differently” if Lionel Messi had been there, said midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Messi, the joint top scorer, is training individually after sustaining an ankle injury during Argentina’s victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 15.
“I wish we could have had him with us, but football brings injuries and setbacks,” said Busquets. “We know what a difference Leo makes.”
“It is very important and it is a pity that we could not enjoy it because I am sure everything would have been different and we would have had many more opportunities.”
GOLAZO CON CONEXIÓN ALBIROJA 🇵🇾✨ pic.twitter.com/xwu12xz1Sf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) 13 August 2024
Inter Miami: Defeat in the Leagues Cup
With his ten goals, including one in the final against Nashville, Messi was the top scorer and Inter won the 2023 League Cup, the first title in the club’s six-year history.
The trophy was also Messi’s first at club level outside Europe after moving to the MLS from Paris St-Germain in 2023.
Inter’s Leagues Cup title defence at Columbus seemed to be going smoothly when Matias Rojas opened the scoring with a diving header in the 10th minute and Diego Gomez took Luis Suarez’s pass to score the second goal with 28 minutes left.
They remained firmly on course for advancement until midway through the second half, when Columbus equalized with two goals in three minutes – the first by Christian Ramirez and the equalizer by Diego Rossi.
Rossi’s winner ten minutes from time put the MLS Cup winners through and ensured that Miami’s interest now lies solely on the league season, in which Messi, with his twelve goals, is Miami’s top scorer alongside Suarez.
Suárez, who did everything, and Gómez, who did not get lost @LeaguesCup 🇺🇾🤝🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/7rHHtsMqib
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) 14 August 2024
Messi’s last injury
Miami leads the Eastern Conference by five points, but their biggest threat could be Columbus, which is ten points behind with two games in hand.
Messi last played for them on February 6, scoring a goal in a draw against St. Louis City before knee problems initially sidelined the 37-year-old.
“We don’t know when he can come 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.”
