Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino assured on Wednesday that Lionel Messi, who has been dealing with a right ankle injury since the Copa America final on July 14, is progressing as expected.

"Leo is doing well, improving, getting better every day. He's still in the gym, but he's looking better and better. He's on track according to the timeline we had in mind," Martino said in a press conference ahead of the Leagues Cup round of 16 match against Toronto, which is a single-elimination game.

Messi will not play against the Canadians, but Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who had been struggling with knee issues, will be available.

"Luis trained very well. He was with the group all week, so he's available," Martino pointed out.

Inter Miami is the reigning champion of the Leagues Cup and will face a Toronto team led by Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi at their stadium on Thursday. According to Martino, it will be a tough match.

"It's a very intense team that also plays well. In my opinion, their place in the MLS standings is much lower than how they've been playing lately. They have important players. It’s going to be a really tough match," he stated.