Inter Miami begins Leagues Cup title defense with 2-0 win minus Messi

Lionel Messi watched from the stands, but Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup tournament title defense began smoothly without him on Saturday night.

Matias Rojas scored early in the first half, Luis Suárez added another goal in the second half, and Inter Miami cruised to a 2-0 victory against LIGA MX club Puebla at Chase Stadium.

Messi, who scored 10 goals in seven games to help Inter Miami win Leagues Cup a year ago, is still wearing a walking boot on his injured right ankle. He remains week to week with his ligament injury he suffered during Argentina’s win in the Copa America final on July 14.

But Inter Miami won its seventh match in eight games without Messi dating back to his Copa America depature last month.

Rojas scored in the ninth minute, while Suárez’s goal came in the 72nd minute to secure the victory.

Inter Miami returns to action next Saturday against Tigres UANL at NRG Stadium in Houston. Puebla and Tigres UANL will play Wednesday at the same arena as each of the three teams are grouped together in the Leagues Cup tournament.

Luis Suarez goal: Inter Miami 2, Puebla 0

Julian Gressel saw Jordi Alba in open space, and Alba found his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez trailing to his right. Together, they connected for Inter Miami’s second goal of the night against Puebla.

Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernandez has first-half hat trick vs. Aston Villa

Columbus Crew standout Cucho Hernandez has a hat trick in the first half as against English Premier League club Aston Villa in a friendly on Saturday night. The Crew has a bye into the Leagues Cup Round of 32, but their best player surely is taking advantage of the matchup. Columbus won 4-1.

Lionel Messi attends Inter Miami match vs. Puebla

Messi may not be in action, but he’s in the stands and in camera’s sight for tonight’s match.

Matias Rojas goal: Inter Miami 1, Puebla 0

Matias Rojas has Inter Miami on the board after nine minutes with a stellar left boot to give his side an early 1-0 lead.

Marcelo ‘Chelo’ Weigandt offsides after goal: Inter Miami 0, Puebla 0

A beautiful entry pass by Jordi Alba was scored by Marcelo ‘Chelo’ Weigandt in the fourth minute, but Weigandt was offsides. The set piece won’t count for Miami.

Inter Miami vs. Puebla starting lineups

Here’s the starting lineups for both sides:

Is Lionel Messi playing today?

No, Messi is not playing tonight. He remains sidelined due to his right ankle injury.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing in the Olympics?

Messi is not with the Argentina team, competing at the Paris Olympics. He’s with Inter Miami after his Copa America run.

Where to watch Leagues Cup games on Saturday?

The seven games in action Saturday are all available on Apple TV (unless otherwise noted).

Houston Dynamo FC vs. Atlas, 8 p.m. (Univision)
New England Revolution vs. Mazatlán, 8 p.m.
New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte FC, 8 p.m.
St. Louis City SC vs. FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
Chivas Guadalajara vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10 p.m. (FS1, Univision)

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LAFC vs. Club Tijuana highlights Friday

LAFC cruised to an easy 3-0 win over Club Tijuana behind two goals from Cristian Olivera and another from 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga.

Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United highlights Friday

Jordan Morris and Paul Rothrock got Seattle off on the right foot in Leagues Cup play with goals against Minnesota.

Austin FC vs. Pumas UNAM highlights Friday

Despite having a player red-carded off the field during the first half, Austin FC pulled off a 3-2 win over Liga MX club Pumas.

Goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland preserved the win with a save on a penalty kick in second half stoppage time.

DC United vs. Atlanta United highlights Friday

D.C. United prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout against Atlanta United.

Orlando City vs. CF Montreal highlights Friday

Dagur Thorhallsson, Facundo Torres, Ramiro Enrique and Martin Ojeda each scored goals for Orlando City as it cruised to a 4-1 win over CF Montréal.