3 major storylines for Leagues Cup 2024

Leagues Cup 2024 is almost here, and a few major storylines are developing ahead of the tournament's second edition.

For the second consecutive year, all MLS and Liga MX clubs will take a break from domestic action and compete in the Leagues Cup. The tournament features an action-packed group stage before the knockout rounds commence in August, all leading up to the final on Saturday, Aug. 25.

In 2023, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami hoisted their first ever trophy after defeating Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final. Now, the Herons must defend their title this summer, and they might have to do so without their best player.

Here's a breakdown of the three biggest storylines ahead of Leagues Cup 2024.

3 major storylines for Leagues Cup 2024

3. Chivas' Cade Cowell and Chicharito Hernandez to face former MLS clubs

One of the biggest Leagues Cup 2024 group stage storylines is the return of Chivas' Cade Cowell and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy respectively.

Cowell became the fourth-youngest signing in MLS history at 15 years old when he joined the Earthquakes, but opted to leave his hometown club this winter to play for one of the biggest Liga MX teams. Chicharito, meanwhile, spent four seasons with LA Galaxy, scoring 39 goals but failing to help the MLS giants win a sixth MLS Cup.

Now, both players will get a chance to shine against their former clubs at Leagues Cup. Chivas takes on the San Jose Earthquakes on July 27 and LA Galaxy on Aug. 4.

2. Olivier Giroud's arrival at LAFC

LAFC already sit atop of the Western Conference, and now, they are welcoming Olivier Giroud to their squad right before the start of Leagues Cup. The former AC Milan striker is the all-time leading goalscorer for France, and will begin his MLS birth now that Euro 2024 has concluded.

The Black and Gold could not get past Liga MX's Monterrey in last year's Leagues Cup, crashing out of the tournament in the quarter-finals after a 3-2 defeat. With the addition of Giroud, though, LAFC have all the pieces they need to lift their first ever Leagues Cup.

1. Lionel Messi's injury

Lionel Messi might have lifted Argentina's record-breaking 16th Copa America title this summer, but he was forced off the pitch in the 66th minute with an ankle injury. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's fitness is now a growing concern ahead of Leagues Cup 2024, where Inter Miami look to defend their title.

Although the club does not believe Messi's knock is a long-term injury, they still confirmed their superstar will miss at least the next two matches for Inter Miami before the MLS All-Star Game. The Herons play their first Leagues Cup 2024 match on July 27, and as of now, Messi's status for the tournament is in doubt.