Having won the Leagues Cup last year, it has become a prestige issue for Inter Miami to defend the title this year. Yes, they look poised to strongly start their Leagues Cup campaign against Puebla tonight. But what fun will it be for the Herons’ fanbase to see the team in the tournament without the man who won it for them last season? In a major disappointment to the club’s faithful, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino ruled out Lionel Messi from tonight’s action against Puebla.

As per Deporte Total USA journalist Jose Armando, who is close to Lionel Messi and Miami, Martino ruled out the Argentine from the Puebla clash citing he has to continue wearing walking boots. Anyhow, Martino also said Messi’s ankle was getting better. It has been over a week since Messi broke his ankle ligament during Argentina’s Copa America-winning final against Colombia. The 37-year-old has also missed two MLS games due to the ankle problem. Fueling the Herons’ woes, Messi’s strike partner Luis Suarez is nursing a knock to his knee.

Per Armando, the Uruguayan superstar has an inflammation on his knee and his availability for the Puebla tie will be a game-time decision for Tata Martino. Suarez has notably been struggling for the last two years due to a chronic knee problem. Let’s hope the Uruguayan’s latest knee inflammation does not get any worse. Anyhow, Inter Miami’s six-game unbeaten run in the MLS proves that they are well off to face Puebla tonight even without the megastar duo of Messi and Suarez.

Even if Inter Miami can thrive, how long will fans stay calm without Lionel Messi playing important matches? So, is there a timeline for his return? Here’s what we think about the world champion’s return.

When will Inter Miami field Lionel Messi again?

As of now, there’s no timeline for Lionel Messi’s return and Inter Miami has been taking the heat for the ambiguity in providing the updates on the injured star. Anyhow, it must be noted that the Herons will have a week to rest before they play their next Leagues Cup game against Tigres UANL. Since Messi is training in isolation with Miami’s medical staff, we could expect him to return to the Tigres UANL game. Luis Suarez, who trained with his pals before the Puebla game, will surely play against Tigres UANL next week.

Even if Leo Messi were to miss the Tigres UANL game, he could start for Miami in their next MLS game. This is because the Herons have a gap of 20 days between their next Leagues Cup and their return to the MLS. Do you think the Herons could mirror their stellar MLS form in the Leagues Cup without La Pulga? Tell us in the comments.