Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Lionel Messi make his Major League Soccer debut, due to Inter Miami’s progression in the Leagues Cup.
Messi has scored seven times in his first four games, which all came in the cup as Miami advanced through the rounds, but they are still bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The Argentine superstar was set to make his debut against Charlotte FC on August 20th, but this has now been postponed to accommodate the Leagues Cup quarter-final against the same opponents.
Tickets bought to the original fixture will remain valid as per Inter Miami’s Twitter account.
Can Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup?
Given how poor the team have been in the MLS this season, winning the Leagues Cup will be a huge bonus for Miami, and with Messi on fire right now, it is very possible that they go all the way.
Whilst there might be some eagerness to see what Messi can do to help Miami progress up the table, this Cup tie against Charlotte will be highly anticipated, as the team will be 90 minutes away from the semi-finals.
A potential semi-final against Philadelphia or Queretaro awaits Tata Martino’s side, and they will be backing themselves to go all the way after the improved form in recent weeks saw them beat Cruz Azul, Atlanta United, Orlando City and FC Dallas to reach the quarter-finals.
When Miami return to MLS action, Messi will have a lot of work to do, with the club bottom of the table having won just five of their 22 games this season.
Whilst a playoff place looks just out of reach, there will be hope that he can inspire the team to climb up the table and salvage some pride from what was previously a disaster of a campaign.
The mood at the club could not be better right now though, and if Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba can help Miami to a trophy, it will be the perfect start for the Barcelona trio.