Messi-mania landed in Miami weeks ago, ramped up when the Argentina legend scored a last-minute free-kick winner on debut and could reach fever pitch should the World Cup make his first start this week.
Inter Miami welcome Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday (7.30pm local time, 12.30am on Wednesday in the UK). Messi's arrival has seen interest soar amid a clamour for tickets, a flurry of shirt sales and an increased media presence.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino suggested on Monday that Messi will feature from the start, alongside fellow new arrival and former Barcelona man Sergio Busquets, saying: "It is very likely that both will play longer, even from the beginning.
Everything will depend on how they feel. It's just their second game." It will provide another sporting occasion for the MLS on the back of Messi's debut being the most-watched football match in US TV history with approximately 12.5million viewers. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi can reap rewards of Phil Neville’s groundwork at Inter Miami It's what Miami and the MLS want.