Inter Miami vs Atlanta United live score, Lionel Messi updates, highlights and result from Leagues Cup 2023

Lionel Messi began his Inter Miami career in magical fashion, scoring a 94th minute winner against Cruz Azul just three days ago, setting DRV PNK Stadium alight, and putting the world on alert that Messi is determined to bring his GOAT mentality to his new home.

With that memorable moment in the rearview mirror, Messi and the rest of the Inter Miami squad hope to crack on with another Leagues Cup group stage match, this one against Atlanta United. Should they emerge victorious, the club would finish the short group stage atop the three-team standings, qualifying for the knockout round in style.

Inter Miami sit last in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, but Leagues Cup success could be parlayed into a second half playoff push. They sit within a realistic shout of a playoff spot — the top nine teams in the conference qualify — but it would take a Herculean effort over the final portion of the season to get back in the mix.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, sit seventh in the East and are squarely in the hunt for a postseason berth. The trip to DRV PNK Stadium will see them match up against their former head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, and ex-forward star Josef Martinez, now both employed by their South Florida opponents.

The Sporting News is following the Inter Miami vs Atlanta United match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.

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Predicted lineups:

Inter Miami (4-4-1-1, right to left): Callender (GK) — Allen, McVey, Miller, Yedlin — Taylor, Arroyo, Busquets, Robinson — Messi — Martinez.

Atlanta United (3-4-3, right to left): Guzan (GK) — R. Hernandez, Purata, Abram — Lennon, Sosa, Sejdic, Wiley — Etienne, Giakoumakis,