According to TyC Sports, Tata Martino has already made the decision to put the Argentine superstar in Inter Miami’s starting XI for Messi’s second match for the club against Atlanta.
The attacker made his debut on Friday against Cruz Azul where Messi had the dream start to life in Florida, with the forward scoring a stoppage-time free-kick to award Inter Miami their first win since May.
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With Messi coming off the bench, some expected the forward to again be among the substitutes for Wednesday’s clas against Atlanta. However, the Inter Miami boss has seemingly decided to start the Argentine already.
For Atlanta, facing off against Messi straight from the start will be quite the test for the Five Stripes, who could be the ideal opposition for MLS’ new superstar after his debut last week against Cruz Azul.
Moreover, with Sergio Busquets potentially in line to also start for Martino’s side, Atlanta could be the first club to face the true quality of this new-look Inter Miami, a prospect no team wants to take on.
Messi could turn Atlanta United inside-out for Inter Miami
Messi’s debut for Inter Miami could not have been more perfect, and with Atlanta next up for the Herons, the Five Stripes will want to ensure they put up a good fight against their MLS rivals.
However, with Messi already in scintillating form, there’s no telling just how good the 35-year-old could be in his second-ever Inter Miami match, especially straight from the start.
Indeed, Messi has taken to life in Miami like a duck to watch. And for Atlanta, they want to do their best to limit the forward as much as they can in the Leagues Cup.