Lionel Messi is set to feature for Inter Miami CF in their upcoming MLS match against Atlanta United this Sunday. This game marks Messi’s return to the Inter Miami lineup following a brief injury layoff and will be his last appearance before joining the Argentina national team for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
The highly anticipated match against Atlanta United is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 PM.
Inter Miami currently sits in third position in the Eastern Conference standings, boasting seven points. They are a mere two points adrift of the current league leaders, highlighting the significance of this weekend’s clash against Atlanta United. Victory against Atlanta would propel Inter Miami closer to the top of the table and significantly enhance their chances of securing a coveted playoff spot.
Mascherano confirms Messi’s participation
While there was some speculation regarding Messi’s availability due to his recent recovery from a muscle overload, Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has confirmed Messi’s participation in the match. However, Mascherano remained tight-lipped about Messi’s role in the game, indicating a potential start on the bench rather than a guaranteed starting berth.
Mascherano’s cautious approach emphasizes the club’s priority of managing Messi’s workload effectively to prevent further setbacks. He stated: “Leo is fine and felt very good in the game. Regardless of how the game was, we had planned for him to add minutes.”
Messi’s recent return to action for Inter Miami came in the Concacaf Champions League match against Cavalier SC in Jamaica. Having missed three games due to a muscle overload, Messi made a substitute appearance, demonstrating his recovery progress while making a significant contribution to the team’s victory.
His goal secured Inter Miami’s passage to the next round, showcasing his ability to impact the game even from the bench. His presence alone provides Inter Miami with a significant boost, improving team morale and encouraging cohesive team play. The coach will be keenly assessing Messi’s fitness level and match readiness to determine his starting role.
Inter Miami’s projected lineup
Inter Miami will face Atlanta United at 7 PM on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Messi in their ranks. A likely starting lineup is: Rocco Ríos Novo; Ian Fray, Tomás Avilés, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Tadeo Allende; Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Luis Suárez.
