Messi vs Navas Clash Ruled Out as Injuries and Suspensions Hit Leagues Cup Showdown

 

Football fans hoping to witness a high-profile reunion between two footballing legends — Lionel Messi and Keylor Navas — will be left disappointed once again, as both stars have been ruled out of the much-anticipated Leagues Cup clash between Inter Miami and Pumas UNAM.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday that Messi will miss the third-round encounter due to a lingering muscle injury in his right leg. The injury was sustained during Matchday 2 of the tournament in a dramatic penalty shootout win (5-4) against Necaxa. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, the Argentine captain has not regained full fitness in time for this week’s fixture at Chase Stadium in Florida.

This marks the second missed opportunity in less than four months for Pumas to face Messi. The first came during the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, where the Mexican club was eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps, denying them a chance to face Inter Miami at that stage.

Coach Mascherano expressed disappointment over Messi’s absence but emphasized that the team's ambition remains unchanged.

“Leo is obviously a key player for us, but our focus is still on reaching the quarterfinals. The team is prepared to compete at the highest level with or without him,” Mascherano said.

Pumas, on the other hand, will also be without their marquee signing Keylor Navas. The former Real Madrid and Costa Rica national team goalkeeper is suspended following a red card he received during Matchday 2 of the tournament in Pumas’ thrilling 3-2 win over Atlanta United.

The potential clash between the two former La Liga icons — Messi of FC Barcelona and Navas of Real Madrid — had been a major draw for fans and media alike. Their historic rivalry in Spain’s El Clásico was expected to add a nostalgic spark to the Leagues Cup showdown.

Instead, both clubs must now rely on their depth and tactical discipline to navigate a decisive group-stage fixture with major implications for the tournament's knockout phase.

The Leagues Cup, a growing competition that pits MLS and Liga MX clubs against each other, continues to offer exciting matchups, but the absence of global stars like Messi and Navas is a blow to the spectacle.

Kickoff at Chase Stadium is scheduled for Thursday night, with both teams eyeing a crucial victory to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

This developing story underscores the unpredictable nature of tournament football — where even the brightest stars can be sidelined, and new heroes often emerge.