Lionel Messi will reportedly start for Inter Miami tonight in their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Nashville SC.
The Argentine superstar was absent on Sunday against CF Montreal as Tata Martino heavily rotated Inter Miami’s starting XI with this evening’s match against Nashville in mind.
Messi picked up a knock in the first leg of this Champions Cup series with the 36-year-old being completely rested on the weekend as a precaution, yet the forward is now set for a return.
Lionel Messi to start for Inter Miami vs Nashville SC
According to the Miami Herald, Messi will start for Inter Miami this evening with Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez also expected to be named in Martinio’s starting XI.
The Champions Cup has been outlined as an early-season priority for the Herons, who are keen to qualify for next year’s FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the United States.
And resting Messi for tonight’s match was a smart move from the Inter Miami coaching staff, who took a smart risk in ensuring the Argentine is fit enough to feature against Nashville.
Indeed, Messi could cause some real damage to the Tennesee franchise this evening if he can start the game with a bang, and Inter Miami could record a historic result in Florida later today.
Inter Miami need to believe they can win the Champions Cup
Inter Miami are on a quest for dominance this season in MLS and beyond, with a continental trophy something that would add real legitimacy to the Messi project.
The Champions Cup is historically a trophy MLS sides have struggled to claim in the nearly 60 years the competition has been around, with only three American teams ever winning the tournament.
With the Seattle Sounders winning in 2022, Inter Miami can help spark an era of domination in the competition for MLS sides, and tonight could be historic in taking that step to success.