Lionel Messi likely to play but might not start for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul on Friday

Football
Published 19.07.2023
Lionel Messi likely to play but might not start for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul on Friday

Lionel Messi is about to make his MLS debut with Inter Miami on Friday night time, however followers might need to attend a half to see the Argentina legend.

Miami coach Tata Martino stated Messi and newly signed Sergio Busquets are prepared for recreation motion, however he has but to resolve if they arrive off the bench in opposition to Cruz Azul within the groups’ Leagues Cup opener.

“From what I have seen up to now they are going fit to play and it is likely that on Friday they can be there,” Martino advised Argentina’s ESPN Futbol 12 on Wednesday. “Whether that will be as starters or coming in at the half, we will have to make that decision yet, but as I see it, Leo as well as Busi can play.”

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Tickets for the sport are going for between 275 USD and 110,000 USD, in accordance with ticket reselling web site Vivid Seats.

Miami signed Busquets, Messi’s longtime teammate at FC Barcelona, on Sunday, the identical day because the official welcome given to Messi at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Miami is final within the Eastern Conference of MLS, sporting a 5-14-3 mark and 12 factors behind the pink line for the playoffs. But Martino stated the Herons are going to get one of the best model of Messi.

“But someone I admire a lot told me that he is coming to MLS carrying an empty suitcase but without all the pressure he had in Barcelona in 2010-11 or the pressure of the national team,” Martino stated. “Now, I think I am going to find a very competitive version of him because he has the need to win wearing this shirt now, because he has not won here yet.”