'Everything would have been different' - Sergio Busquets bemoans Lionel Messi's absence as Inter Miami suffer early Leagues Cup exit after defeat to Columbus Crew

The Herons, who won the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup last season, will not be able to defend their title this year as they exited the competition at the round of 16 stage after going down 3-2 against Columbus Crew.

After facing a heartbreaking loss in the knockout stage, experienced midfielder Busquets bemoaned captain Messi's absence on the pitch. The Argentine remains out of action due to an injury he suffered in the final of Copa America. Earlier this week, manager Gerardo Martino admitted that he does not know when Messi will be able to return to the field.

Speaking to reporters after the Leagues Cup clash, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder said: "We know the difference that Leo makes, I wish we could have had him with us. But football has this: injuries, setbacks. It's very important for us and it was a shame not to be able to enjoy it because I'm sure everything would have been different and we would have had a much better chance."

He added: "We had a very good first half, we went into the break with a positive result. From then on they brought on more offensive players. We knew they were going to attack, that they were going to try to score goals, but that we were also going to have our chances, especially on the counterattack.

"And I think that's what happened: the result was decided by that because they were more accurate in front of goal. We had many counterattacks in which we lacked that final pass, that final finish that didn't come. It's a shame, we wanted to continue in the tournament, and we fought until the end."

The David Beckham-owned side will be next seen in action on Saturday as they take on Cincinnati in a MLS clash at Chase Stadium, with Mbappe likely to be watching on from the sidelines once again.