Messi Ruled Out of Leagues Cup Quarterfinal vs. Tigres

“Leo didn’t train with the group, he trained separately,” Mascherano said. “It’s the same situation I described the other day after the match. He felt uncomfortable in those 45 minutes that he played, and we’re going to keep monitoring him. He is not completely ruled out, but we’ll see how he progresses.”

Messi’s absence shifts the spotlight to veterans Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Suárez, who has rekindled his partnership with Messi in Miami, explained how much it means to share the field again. “Obviously it’s a very beautiful stage we are living through with Leo, with Busi, with Jordi. Our desire for years was to be able to finish our careers together and now we try to enjoy it as much as possible,” Suárez said. “But we also keep that competitive DNA…we want to win at all costs.”

Messi’s loss is massive. He remains Miami’s ultimate difference-maker, shown in L.A. with a trademark assist and a long-range strike. Tonight, Miami will have to find a way without him.