Ticket costs are hovering in Harrison, N.J., and never as a result of the New York Red Bulls is inching nearer within the Eastern Conference playoff race.
With Lionel Messi on the opposite facet of the pitch, as followers anticipate his MLS regular-season debut with Inter Miami, the host Red Bulls is out to maintain its focus and enhance its place within the standings Saturday evening.
Messi, who received a club-record 34 trophies for Barcelona in Spain’s La Liga, already has a Leagues Cup title with Inter Miami. But as a result of Messi has performed each minute of the previous six matches, Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino mentioned he’s fatigued and has not dedicated to enjoying him Saturday. The 36-year-old additionally may enter as an alternative.
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“I understand the expectations the rest of the world has to watch him, and that is undeniable,” Martino mentioned. “But I cannot act based on that because then I would risk doing things wrong.”
After main Argentina to the World Cup title in December, he signed a contract by way of 2025 to play for Inter Miami on July 15, then scored 10 targets in eight Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup matches.
Messi contributed a pair of high quality assists in Wednesday’s penalty-shootout win over FC Cincinnati within the semifinal of the U.S. Open Cup. He additionally scored final Saturday when Miami beat Nashville SC to win the Leagues Cup trophy.
“I’m living a dream,” Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender mentioned. “Sometimes I sit down and I really think of the position I’m in, on the field with Messi, the best player in the world, and it’s unbelievable.”
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As far as video games that rely within the MLS standings, the Herons hope Messi pushes them again into competition. With 12 matches left, Miami (5-14-3, 18 factors) is final within the Eastern Conference, 14 factors beneath the playoff line, and has gone 0-8-3 in MLS play since defeating New England 2-1 on May 13.
The Red Bulls (7-9-8, 29 factors), who’s in search of its 14th straight playoff look, is three factors out of the final playoff spot. It returned from the Leagues Cup break with a dramatic 1-0 victory Sunday over D.C. United.
John Tolkin scored the game-winner within the 88th minute and the Red Bulls enter its encounter with Messi after three straight dwelling victories throughout all competitions.
“That should be a good one,” New York defender Sean Nealis mentioned. “It should be a fun one. Everyone’s excited for that one.”
