The Argentine icon may be reunited with his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets as the pair gear up to make their debuts for their new employers in the competition
The moment Lionel Messi steps onto the field as an Inter Miami player will be one of the landmark events in the history of soccer in the US but his debut will likely not come in MLS.
The Argentine icon is instead expected to make his bow for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, with his first league appearance for his new employers potentially still a month away. For now, the legendary winger will be tasked with helping the Herons to navigate the group stages of a knockout tournament.
First up will be Liga MX giants Cruz Azul on July 21 before fellow MLS outfit Atlanta United come to town in search of three points in the cup competition. With the former currently also languishing at the bottom of their league, it is fair to say that the clash could certainly prove to be a springboard for either team, while Atlanta should be more the familiar of the two opponents.
The two games will both be at home, with competition rules also stating that neither of these matches can end in a stalemate – adding a further avenue for potential jeopardy. Therefore, if either clash is tied then a penalty shootout will eventually decide the winner after the end of regulation time.