Lionel Messi will miss his fifth consecutive match for Inter Miami on Thursday when the defending champions host Toronto in a Leagues Cup knockout-round opener.

The 37-year-old striker suffered a right-ankle injury during Argentina's victory over Colombia in last month's Copa America final.

Miami coach Gerardo Martino announced on Wednesday that while Messi is improving, he has not yet practiced with his Inter Miami teammates since the injury and will not be available for the match against the Canadian club.

"Leo is getting better every day," Martino said. "He's still training in the gym but looks better every time."

Martino mentioned that Messi is progressing as expected, but did not specify when he might return to the field.

Inter Miami has managed to win seven of eight matches without Messi since he left the squad to train with Argentina in early June ahead of Copa America.

Miami currently sits atop the overall MLS table with 53 points, having secured 16 wins and five draws from 25 matches, holding a four-point lead over second-placed Los Angeles Galaxy.

Striker Luis Suarez will return from a knee injury to rejoin the Inter Miami lineup.

If Miami defeats Toronto, the defending champions will advance to the round of 16 to face either Sporting Kansas City or reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew.