Lionel Messi Could Make First Start Against Atlanta, Says Gerard Martino

24.07.2023 - 19:39 sports.ndtv.com

Lionel Messi could make his first start for Inter Miami following his dramatic winning-goal debut when his new team face Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup on Tuesday, coach Gerard Martino said.

Messi made an explosive impact after coming on as a 54th-minute substitute in the 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday, curling in a stoppage-time free-kick for the victory.

Miami's Argentine head coach Martino opted to limit the minutes for Messi and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets on Friday but with both players making such a strong impression, Martino said Monday he is tempted to start the pair against his former club on Tuesday. "Well, it is very likely that both Leo and Busi will play more time.

I even think that if they are going to play more (then) we will change the dynamic and they will go maybe from the beginning.

Football Barcelona curling stage Inside Lionel Messi Sergio Busquets Jordi Alba Cruz Azul Star Spain Argentina Mexico

Argentina football star Lionel Messi has been on top of his game in United States of America. The legend continues to shine for his new club Inter Miami. Messi made it eight goals in five games for the club as it stormed into the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup with a convincing win over Charlotte FC on Friday. 4-0 was the scoreline in favour of Inter Miami and the goals also included one from Messi. The football superstar hit the back of the net in the 86th minute of the game.

Watch: Lionel Messi Magic In Miami Again! Scores 8th Goal In 5 Games To Guide Cub To Leagues Cup Semi-finals

Lionel Messi made it eight goals in five games for Inter Miami as they eased into the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup with a 4-0 win over Charlotte FC on Friday. The Argentine slotted in Miami's fourth goal in the 86th minute of what was a relatively routine victory for Gerardo Martino's team. Miami will travel north to face the Philadelphia Union for Tuesday's semi-final after they beat Mexican team Queretaro 2-1.

Watch: Lionel Messi's Stunning Free-kick In 4-4 Goal Fest For Inter Miami Against Dallas

The entire Europe has seen Lionel Messi scoring clutch goals for Barcelona over the years in his club career. On Sunday, even Major League Soccer saw the Argentine maestro rising to the occasion and scoring a much-needed equaliser for the club from a free-kick. Messi, known for scoring some of the most spectacular free-kicks in his distinguished football career, put the ball past the FC Dallas goalkeeper late in the game, helping his team equalise 4-4 and pushing the Leagues Cup Round of 16 match into the penalty shootout.

Lionel Messi shines for Inter Miami again with brace against Orlando

Argentine great Lionel Messi made it five goals in three appearances for Inter Miami as he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday night.

Jordi Alba trains with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami for first time - in pictures

Jordi Alba joined Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates for his first training session since joining the MLS club from Barcelona.

Lionel Messi Reaches New Landmark, Scores Goal Against 100th Different Opponent

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi reached yet another milestone in his decorated career as Atlanta United became the 100th team he scored against on Wednesday. Inter Miami registered their second consecutive victory since the arrival of their latest recruit. In Messi's first appearance he scored a free kick in the final minutes of the game to mark his debut on a remarkable note.