Argentine star Lionel Messi was ruled out on Monday by Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino for the defending champions' Leagues Cup knockout match on Tuesday at reigning MLS champion Columbus.

Lionel Messi to miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash against Columbus

Lionel Messi has cleared the air around his absence in a friendly match for Inter Miami in Hong Kong on Monday (Feb 19). Messi, defending FIFA World champion with Argentina, posted a video on his social media handle where he cleared the air on his absence, claiming he had no political agenda to miss the match against a local club.

Lionel Messi clears air on missing Inter Miami friendly, says 'no political reasons' - WATCH

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi pleased Tokyo fans on Wednesday in a friendly match that ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Vissel Kobe after the game ended goalless.

Lionel Messi bids farewell to Tokyo fans in friendly defeat for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Inter Miami's pre-season friendly in Tokyo Wednesday, according to a line-up released shortly ahead of kickoff. The announcement came after he did not play in a Sunday friendly in Hong Kong, prompting the ire of tens of thousands of fans who booed the World Cup-winning Argentinian and the team's co-owner David Beckham.

Lionel Messi to start on bench in Tokyo after Hong Kong controversy

A set of six jerseys that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced Monday, estimating their value at more than $10 million.

Lionel Messi 2022 World Cup jerseys predicted to top $10 million at auction

The Houston Dynamo defeated Inter Miami 2-1 to win the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday with an injured Lionel Messi watching from the stands at DRV PNK Stadium. Without Messi and his former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba, Miami struggled to compete with an enterprising Houston and could have little to complain about the outcome.

Football: Houston Dynamo down Messi-less Inter Miami in US Open Cup

FC Cincinnati led the way into the Major League Soccer playoffs on Wednesday as the slim post-season hopes of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami took a hit with a goalless draw against Nashville.

MLS: Blow for Lionel Messi, Inter Miami playoff hopes as Cincinnati clinch spot

Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to come back from two goals down to beat Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties after their thrilling US Open Cup semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time.

Football: Lionel Messi into another final after inspiring Inter Miami comeback US Open Cup semis

Lionel Messi made it five goals in three appearances for Inter Miami as he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round-of-32 on Wednesday.

Football: Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami march past Orlando City

It has been a roller-coaster couple of weeks for Lionel Messi as the Aregtina star hit the ground running in the United States after his eye-catching move to the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Watch | Lionel Messi's king-sized gesture towards David Beckham in win over Atlanta

Lionel Messi's instant impact in the United States continued on Tuesday as he scored twice in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, firing his team into the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup.

Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami crush Atlanta to reach knockout round of the Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi is set to debut for Inter Miami during their League Cup face-off versus Cruz Azul on Friday (July 21). Messi switched to his new club after moving out of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following the end of his two-year-long contract with the French club.

WHOPPING AMOUNT! Ticket prices for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut hit the roof

Argentina star Lionel Messi has decided to join the Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. This move comes after months of speculation on Messi’s future. There were a lot of rumours about the former Paris-Saint Germain star going back to Barcelona.

Inter Miami sees ‘Messi effect’ after transfer move, ticket prices jump 1,000%

According to The Times, Messi will make a move after this year’s World Cup. Messi will be free to sign with a new club once his contract expires with his current club, Paris Saint-Germain. However, he can extend the contract for another season. MLS commissioner Don Garber has also confirmed clubs in MLS have shown an interest in signing Messi. “There has been an interest in Messi. We believe a lot, however, in the formality of the rules so at the moment he is under contract and then he will decide what to do,” the MLS commissioner was quoted as saying.

Lionel Messi set to play in MLS club co-owned by David Beckham: Reports