Inter Miami lineup vs Pumas: Predicted XI for Leagues Cup match amid Lionel Messi uncertainty

Inter Miami's destiny is in their hands heading into the final group fixture with Pumas on Wednesday, though their chances of reclaiming the Leagues Cup might have suffered a devastating blow on matchday two.

Captain Lionel Messi exited their match against Necaxa after just 11 minutes with an upper right leg injury, and Federico Redondo came on in his place.

On Sunday, the club confirmed that the 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of his muscle discomfort.

They said that the results confirmed he has a minor muscle injury in his right leg, adding that his medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.

That leaves his status for this midweek affair very much in question as Miami can assure themselves a place in the quarter-finals with a victory over Pumas.

He is one of many players that will be questionable for the Herons on Wednesday with Allen Obando, Oscar Ustari and Baltasar Rodriguez all missing their previous match with hamstring strains, though the latter was on the substitutes bench.

Noah Allen returned from a hamstring strain himself the last time out, playing the opening 65 minutes of their shootout victory over Necaxa in place of Gonzalo Lujan, the only change made to their starting 11 from matchday one.

Javier Mascherano will have to make at least one change to his backline on matchday three after Maximiliano Falcon received a controversial straight red card after 17 minutes last Saturday.

Unlikely to feature will be goalkeeper Drake Callender, who is still recovering from a sports hernia injury, while Ian Fray is doubtful with an adductor issue.

If Messi cannot go, Rodrigo De Paul will have to step up like he did this past weekend, as the Atletico Madrid loanee set up both of their goals, including the equaliser by Jordi Alba and also scored in the penalty shootout.

The last time the Herons were without Messi, Mascherano had Luis Suarez operate as the loan striker up top with Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia and Fabrice Picault playing just in behind the Uruguayan.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Novo; Weigandt, Aviles, Allen, Alba; De Paul, Busquets; Allende, Segovia, Picault; Suarez