Just days after learning of his father\u2019s passing, Lionel Messi stepped away from Inter Miami to travel to Rosario, Argentina, with his family. In his absence, the Herons suffered a second-round Leagues Cup loss to Rayados, severely jeopardizing their chances of reaching the quarterfinals. Depending on today\u2019s match outcomes, Inter Miami could be mathematically eliminated before taking the pitch for tomorrow\u2019s fixture against Le\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the media ahead of that final group stage match in the 2026 Leagues Cup, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed Messi\u2019s loss and offered an update on forward Germ\u00e1n Berterame, who is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a scary head collision.<\/p>\n
Messi\u2019s personal situation<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know what happened with Leo, and it is a tremendous tragedy,\u201d explained head coach Guillermo Hoyos regarding the painful loss of Messi\u2019s father. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s immense grief, and we\u2019ve felt it deeply right along with him. It\u2019s been very tough, and times like this often leave you at a loss for words. When you go through something this painful, recovering takes time, but that\u2019s a reality we all face. You never really learn how to deal with it because the pain is so deep,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Berterame\u2019s return<\/p>\n
\u201cBerte is completely recovered,\u201d Hoyos noted, indicating that the striker\u2019s return to the pitch is drawing close. \u201cWe\u2019re just waiting on the timeline set by the league, but we still have a few days ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inter Miami now shifts focus to Wednesday\u2019s Leagues Cup group stage finale against Le\u00f3n, where they hope to stay alive in the race for one of Major League Soccer\u2019s four quarterfinal spots. From there, attention turns to Saturday\u2019s crucial match against Nashville, a high-stakes clash that could determine top spot in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n
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