Injured Messi improving but ruled out for Saturday Leagues Cup match

English Woman's Journal - Injured Messi improving but ruled out for Saturday Leagues Cup match

SPORTS 02.08.2024

Injured Messi improving but ruled out for Saturday Leagues Cup match / Photo: Megan Briggs - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Lionel Messi will not play for defending champion Inter Miami against Tigres in a Leagues Cup home match on Saturday despite injury improvements, Miami coach Gerardo Martino said.

Change text size:

Messi suffered a right ankle ligament injury in last month's Copa America final, helping Argentina to victory over Colombia, but Martino said the 37-year-old Argentine striker is getting better.

Messi no longer wears a walking boot, Martino said, but he has not rejoined his teammates for a practice workout, instead working with trainers to heal the injury.

In the past two months, Inter Miami has won seven of eight matches without Messi, who last year arrived and sparked the MLS team to a trophy in the inaugural Leagues Cup.

The World Cup-style event featuring MLS and Mexico's Liga MX clubs has three-team groups with two clubs from each advancing into knockout round play.

Miami and Tigres are among 15 teams that have already clinched berths in the 32-club knockout round so only a seeding spot is at stake Saturday.

St.Reid--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Injured Messi improving but ruled out for Saturday Leagues Cup match