Lionel Messi will not be in the starting line-up for Inter Miami tonight and is instead expected to play the final 30 minutes of the match to make his debut, according to reports.
There has been much fanfare around the arrival of Argentina's World Cup-winning superstar, with fans forking out thousands of dollars for a seat in the stadium - and one even listed for an eyewatering $110,000 earlier in the week.
But those who have paid big money to be inside DRV-PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale may feel slightly aggrieved at the latest reports that Messi will not start against Cruz Azul in the MLS Leagues Cup.
The Athletic report that Messi will be named among the substitutes on Friday night, with coach Tata Martino planning to bring him on in the second half for the final 30 minutes of the match.
Sergio Busquets, meanwhile, is also expected to feature, but Jordi Alba - whose signing was announced on Thursday - has not yet touched down in Miami having become a father for the third time earlier in the week.
Messi took part in his first training session with the team on Tuesday, two days after his glitzy unveiling in front of a full house at the team's stadium in Fort Lauderdale - the same location as tonight's match.
Inter Miami announced late on Thursday that tickets for the game had officially sold out, with not a spare seat available for the first time this season.
Even politicians have been trying to capitalize on 'Messi Mania' with Miami mayor and presidential candidate Francis Suarez offering a raffle for the chance to win tickets if people donate to his campaign.
All the media attention given to the club is a coup for Inter Miami co-owners David Beckham and Jorge and Jose Mas.
Inter Miami is now the most followed American sports
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