Inter Miami's opponent in the League Cup knockout round has been revealed; Messi is about to return.

Toronto FC secured first place in Group 6 of the Eastern Conference after defeating Pachuca (Mexico) 2-1 on August 5th. This puts them ahead of Inter Miami, who finished second in Group 3 of the Eastern Conference. Toronto FC and Inter Miami recently met in the MLS (July 18th) at Chase Stadium. On that occasion, David Beckham's team won 3-1, thanks to a brace from midfielder Federico Redondo and a goal from Diego Gomez. This was also a period when Messi and Suarez were absent after finishing their Copa America campaign.

However, last season, after Messi had just joined Inter Miami and won the Leagues Cup, it was the 37-year-old Argentinian star who led his teammates to a crushing 4-0 victory over Toronto FC at Chase Stadium.

This rematch also promises that Messi and his teammates will continue their winning streak to advance to the round of 16 of the League Cup, aiming to defend their title.

If they advance, Inter Miami's opponent in the next knockout round could be Columbus Crew (USA), who received a bye in the group stage after winning the 2023 MLS Cup. In the round of 32, Columbus Crew will face either Toluca (Mexico) or Sporting Kansas City (USA).

"We performed quite well in the group stage despite missing several key players, including Messi and two players who competed in the Olympics (Diego Gomez and Benjamin Cremaschi). Suarez himself also needed rest to recover his fitness (he missed the recent match against Tigres UANL)."

However, they will return from the upcoming League Cup knockout rounds. This is part of our plan. At that time, I believe Inter Miami will have their best squad available to aim for defending their title. We are striving to maintain this ambition, alongside the MLS Cup race at the end of the year," coach Tata Martino expressed after the 1-2 defeat against Tigres UANL on August 4th.