MLS dominates Leagues Cup, Messi is about to have another championship trophy

For the second year in a row, MLS clubs (USA) eliminated all Mexican teams to reach the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup, Messi's Inter Miami is considered the number 1 candidate to win the championship.

Messi is about to return and win another championship?

Coach Mascherano confirmed that he made the risky decision with Messi and the stars of Inter Miami for a good reason, which is to focus all his efforts on winning the Leagues Cup.

Messi was given a break to recover from an adductor injury and return to conquer the Leagues Cup championship.

Photo: Reuters

Messi missed Inter Miami's second consecutive match since playing 45 minutes in the second half of the 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on August 17. In this match, he scored a beautiful goal and contributed an assist for Suarez to score the winning goal.

The 38-year-old Argentine was absent from Inter Miami's 2-1 League Cup quarter-final win over Tigres UANL on August 21. He also missed Inter Miami's away MLS game against DC United (1-1 draw) on August 24.

"We spoke to Messi, based on his condition, and we didn't want to take any risks, didn't want to go through the recovery process again and it could take longer. Therefore, we chose the safe solution by not letting Messi play," coach Mascherano expressed after Inter Miami's away draw with DC United.

Previously, Messi had problems with a persistent adductor injury, which made him uncomfortable and uncomfortable. In addition, Inter Miami also had an injury to Jordi Alba. Many other key players such as Suarez, Busquets, De Paul also played continuously.

"We have played 41 games and I want to give the other players a chance. We need the whole squad; it was a clear decision for us, and I think it was the right decision at the end of the game (to bring on key players)," coach Mascherano emphasized, adding: "This creates balance and helps the pillars avoid risks."

Messi has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 32 games for Inter Miami in all competitions this season.

Photo: Reuters

The focus for Coach Mascherano and Inter Miami right now is to maintain a position in the Supporters' Shield championship race, as they are 8 points behind the leader of the 2025 MLS standings, Philadelphia Union, but have played 3 games less. The competitor with the ability to surpass San Diego FC was surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by Portland Timbers on August 24. Therefore, Inter Miami still has the right to decide in their hands.

Meanwhile, after the draw with DC United, Inter Miami has kept its key players in preparation for the Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City at 7:30 a.m. on August 28. The other semi-final between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC will take place on the same day, but at 9:45 a.m. (both Vietnam time). The Leagues Cup final will take place on August 31.

Inter Miami's biggest concern right now is whether Messi will be back in time. The star player has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 32 games for Inter Miami in all competitions this season.

The good news for Inter Miami fans is that Messi is almost certain to return to action against arch-rivals Orlando City. He has been training separately, but has been given nearly another week to rest his adductor discomfort to allow it to settle.

"If nothing unusual happens, Messi is expected to fully train with the team early this week, and will be present in the crucial match against Orlando City, the opponent who beat Inter Miami both times in MLS this season with scores of 3-0 and 4-1. It's time for Messi to take revenge and aim for the 3rd championship in history for Inter Miami and the 47th in his career," said journalist Jose Armando of Deporte Total USA.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mls-thong-tri-leagues-cup-messi-sap-co-them-cup-vo-dich-185250825101418305.htm