Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United? Latest on Argentina star in Florida
Inter Miami face Atlanta United in a crucial Leagues Cup clash on July 25 with Lionel Messi on course to make his first start for his new team.
Messi enjoying a perfect debut in Florida, as the Argentinian superstar came off the bench to fire home a superb free kick in added time, sealing a 2-1 win over Liga MX side Cruz Azul.
As Inter Miami now gear up for their second group stage match, the focus is back on Messi, and how Tata Martino's tactical plan for his former Barcelona talisman will shape up.
The cameo role against Cruz Azul will have increased Messi's match sharpness and it looks likely he could be handed a starting role against Atlanta.
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Inter Miami fans were forced to be patient over Messi's arrival at the club with his arrival announced on July 15 followed by a formal presentation two days later.
Club owner Jorge Mas previously stated Messi would be ready to make his debut against Cruz Azul on July 21 and all sides kept to the schedule for Messi's big night in Florida.
Despite not starting a game since PSG's final match of the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season, on June 3, Inter Miami are looking to get Messi sharp again and get him back into top shape.
Messi's extended summer break was only increased by final contract negotiations, and he would be in preseason now, if he remained in Paris.
Martino has hinted he will start Messi in this game, alongside a first start for Sergio Busquets – but both players will be assessed beforehand.
This Leagues Cup group stage fixture at DRV PNK Stadium kicks off on Tuesday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Here's how that time translates across some
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