Who will Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face in Leagues Cup after qualifying for round of 16? Potential next opponents identified

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are in the running to retain the Leagues Cup trophy after recently recording a 4-3 win against Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Toronto FC.

Earlier on Thursday (August 8), the Herons progressed to the Leagues Cup last-16 stage after defeating Toronto at Chase Stadium in Florida, United States. However, they were without their talismanic captain.

Matias Rojas netted the opener in the third minute of the last-32 tie ahead of Diego Gomez's 11th-minute strike. Lorenzo Insigne pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 15th minute for Toronto before Luis Suarez scored a goal in the 20th minute. However, Inter Miami were dealt a big blow after David Martinez was sent of in the 27th minute.

Insigne, who joined Toronto from Napoli in the summer of 2022, converted another penalty in the 41st minute. But, Rojas scored his second of the contest in the 59th minute ahead of Noah Allen's own goal.

Inter Miami will take on either MLS champions Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City in their Leagues Cup last-16 match. Gerardo Martino's team will feature in the last-16 encounter on Sunday (August 11).

Brazil great Kaka lauds Inter Miami's Lionel Messi for his mentality in Argentina contest

Lionel Messi emerged as a topic of discussion after being seen crying following his ankle problem in the Copa America 2024 final last month.

After Argentina's 1-0 win against Colombia in the Copa America final, Brazil legend Kaka hailed the player. He said (h/t X/@MessiFCWorld):

"[He] must raise his head up and know himself well. They always said that Messi does not know that he is Messi, and today I see that happening. He has won eight [Ballon d'Or awards], one FIFA World Cup, and [six] European Golden Shoes, and he is now the most decorated [player in history] with titles. He was crying because he could not complete the match. What a great mentality."

Kaka, who won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 2007, concluded:

"What the fans did will be unforgettable. Not just the Argentines, even the Colombian fans. When they saw [him] crying, they started chanting his name [at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami]. This is something to be proud of. He has won his love from all over the world."

The Inter Miami star, who is yet to rejoin his club's training, registered one goal and as many assist in five games at the Copa America 2024.