On Thursday, August 8, Lionel Messi witnessed Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 16. He was accompanied by a guardian and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. The Herons defeated Toronto 4–3 in the Round of 32 encounter. The game was insane.

Argentine star Lionel Messi was absent from the match as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not played for his club since that victory on July 14. However, he was spotted in the crowd, cheering on Inter Miami, and a video captured his appearance.

In the match, Matias Rojas opened the scoring for Inter Miami just three minutes in, followed by Diego Gomez extending the lead eight minutes later. Toronto managed to respond when Lorenzo Insigne scored a penalty kick in the 15th minute, reducing the deficit.

Luis Suarez then scored to make it 2-0, but the game shifted when David Martinez was sent off in the 27th minute. Insigne managed to score again before halftime, narrowing the gap to one goal. Despite having an extra player in the second half, Toronto couldn’t capitalize.

Rojas netted his second goal in the 59th minute, and the match concluded with Miami conceding just one more goal, 11 minutes before the final whistle. Inter Miami’s next game is scheduled for August 12, as they enter the Round of 16 in the Leagues Cup.

Manager Tata Martino emphasized that he won’t rush Messi’s return to action. Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, the former Barcelona forward has made a significant impact, playing 29 matches, scoring 25 goals, and providing 16 assists. Martino commented on Messi’s recovery, stating that they are prioritizing his long-term health over a quick return.

On Thursday, August 8, Lionel Messi witnessed Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 16. He was accompanied by a guardian and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. The Herons defeated Toronto 4–3 in the Round of 32 encounter. The game was insane.

So far, Messi’s season has been erratic. In 2024, he has missed 14 games for his club and his nation. He has participated in 12 MLS games this season, scoring 12 goals and dishing out nine more.