Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul? Latest on Messi's debut in the USA
Inter Miami's opening game of the 2023 Leagues Cup has been dominated by the expected debut of Lionel Messi in Florida.
Messi's switch to the USA has been a huge story in MLS circles in recent weeks with Inter Miami fans itching to get a glimpse of their new superstar.
Inter Miami have struggled in league action this season and head coach Tata Martino will be hoping this competition can be a springboard for their campaign, with the Argentina legend in tow.
Messi is in line to make an appearance in this game but Martino will look to manage his game time in the weeks ahead.
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The build up to this game has been filled with questions over Messi's involvement with Martino looking to balance the huge glare on his new No.10.
Tata: “Messi and Busquets will play on Friday. I’m not sure if they will start. The first thing I want is for them to keep training. Jordi Alba became a dad today and that’s why he’ll come in the next few days.” #InterMiamiCF https://t.co/KSG6Lb5e0R
Martino's comments hint at Messi coming off the bench for a cameo role against Cruz Azul, with his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also in line for some action in Florida.
Jordi Alba will have to wait for his first run out in the USA as Martino continues his plan to create a mini Barcelona in Miami.
Despite the huge fanfare surrounding Messi landing in the USA, he is still behind his new teammates in terms of match fitness, after weeks of inaction.
Messi's final season at PSG finished on June 3, and he played a reduced part in Argentina's June friendlies, as speculation over a move to MLS continued.
The 36-year-old remains injury free, and surely won't take long to get up to speed, but the
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