Cassius Mailula's Toronto FC have booked a 2024 Leagues Cup knockout match against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, with the Argentine's involvement already decided.
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The Canada-based outfit have advanced to the round of 32 in the Leagues Cup, where they will meet last season's champions on Thursday, 8 August.
The last 32 will be a single tie between the two MLS teams, with Mailula's participation unlikely amid his recent lack of playing time under manager John Herdman.
Mailula, 23, has only been an unused substitute in two Leagues Cup matches this term with Toronto, and has played just 17 minutes in the MLS this season.
Messi, meanwhile, will not be available for Inter Miami after suffering an ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final last month.
The 37-year-old was forced off in the second half of Argentina's eventual victory over Colombia in the United States, and has been ruled out for their upcoming match by manager Gerardo Martino.
The former Barcelona captain no longer needs to wear a protective boot on his foot, but is still not ready to rejoin his teammates in training.
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His performances last year inspired the Herons to 2023 Leagues Cup glory – the club's first-ever trophy – just a month into his arrival in the US.
