The highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul for the Campeones Cup was put in jeopardy due to the Mexican side’s travel woes before Wednesday’s final in Miami.
The two teams will face off at the newly opened Nu Stadium, with the reigning MLS Cup champion Inter Miami taking on Liga MX champion Cruz Azul, and Lionel Messi and the Herons are set to go head-to-head for another piece of silverware. The match is currently scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET on MLS.
What Happens If Inter Miami Win Against Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul asked for a postponement due to an unexpected logistical issue with the flight to the United States, according to a report from TUDN’s Adrian Esparza, cited by SoyFutbol.
The Cruz Azul delegation had been booked on an aircraft to take them from Felipe Angeles International Airport. The club, however, was told that the aircraft was not large enough to accommodate the whole team, staff, and kit.
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The club was not able to cut down its traveling team enough, and so Cruz Azul split its team. Staff and club personnel went first, and most of the players stayed close to the airport waiting for another flight. Christian Ebere, a Nigerian forward, was the only player able to travel with the first group due to a special permit.
Cruz Azul was worried about making it to Miami with enough time to get ready for a winner-takes-all game.
The club thus requested that the organizers move the game, but this had not been granted at the time of the report.
Is Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul Still Happening?
There has been no official announcement to move the final, but it remains uncertain. Inter Miami and MLS still have Cruz Azul as their opponent for the game on Wednesday, which will start at 8 p.m. ET and be broadcast worldwide on Apple TV.
The move is especially important for Inter Miami, who are entering a new era under Cristian “Kily” González. The Argentine coach was hired Tuesday after obtaining the necessary U.S. work permits, replacing interim coach Guillermo Hoyos. Now he’s readying himself for his first game in charge with a trophy on the line.
Cruz Azul, on the other hand, is hoping to make up for the travel delay and make it to the final. The match is still set for September 16 in Miami unless the organizers say otherwise.
The bizarre journey has brought an unexpected twist to a final already buzzing with plenty of attention, and Messi and Inter Miami are now waiting for their Liga MX opponents.
