Will Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez be available for Inter Miami’s next game against Toronto FC?

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez participated in the recently concluded Copa America 2024 and will soon return to Inter Miami.

While the former’s Argentina side won the tournament thanks to Lautaro Martinez, the latter’s Uruguay were eliminated at the semi-final stage by eventual runners-up Colombia. Teams will now disband prior to returning to their respective leagues, but it may be a while before Messi or Suarez feature for Miami.

Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez: Will they play against Toronto FC?

Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season went on despite two major international tournaments being held simultaneously. So far, they have played 23 games and have earned 47 points as they sit in second place in the Eastern Conference.

They are due to play Toronto FC on July 18 and have the chance of leapfrogging FC Cincinnati into the top spot, having been mauled 6-1 by them in their last match. However, they are likely to be without both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Lionel Messi went off injured in the final against Colombia and was pictured nursing a painfully swollen right ankle while he sat on the bench. Seeing his condition, it is unlikely he will return to action for at least a couple more weeks.

Luis Suarez, on the other hand, was involved in the semi-final but will likely be given a week’s rest before returning to Miami. He could miss the MLS games against Toronto and Chicago but could return for the Leagues Cup group stage beginning on July 28.

Messi and Suarez: Stats this season

Inter Miami’s dynamic duo have both played their part in helping the team make a strong start to the 2024 MLS season after a disappointing showing in 2023. As a result, Tata Martino’s team looks like they could go deep into the competition this year.

Lionel Messi has made 15 appearances across competitions, scoring an impressive 14 goals and providing 11 assists. Of these, 12 appearances have come in the MLS, resulting in 12 goals and nine assists. Luis Suarez, on the other hand, has made 20 appearances across competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists so far. Of those, 16 games have been in the MLS, resulting in 12 goals and five assists.

Both of them will look to make their return as soon as possible, with Inter Miami shortly about to enter the business end of their campaign.

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