Inter Miami, without Messi, loses to Columbus Crew and is eliminated from League Cup

Inter Miami, without Messi, loses to Columbus Crew and is eliminated from League Cup

Diego Rossi shone for the winners, scoring twice, while Cristian Ramirez added another goal. For Inter Miami, Matias Rojas and Diego Gomez found the back of the net, with Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez providing an assist.

Lionel Messi was absent from the game, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered a month ago in the Copa America final against Colombia. The 37-year-old Argentine superstar has not trained with his teammates since the injury. The Copa del Liga features teams from MLS and Mexico's Liga MX, with the quarterfinals taking place this weekend. Last year, Messi played a key role in helping Inter Miami win their first title.

Lionel Messi