Inter Miami could bench Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets for their highly anticipated debut match. The former Barcelona duo is expected to make their first appearance for the club in the upcoming match against Cruz Azul on Friday.
Journalist Gaston Edul reported that Messi and Busquets may come off the bench for Inter Miami on Friday. Both players started their training sessions this week following the star-studded presentation ceremony on Sunday. Coming from a long season with PSG and Barcelona, respectively, only five days of training might not be enough to achieve the required match fitness to start for their new club.
Inter Miami fullback DeAndre Yedlin on first few days with Messi:
“His English is enough to get by. He talks to everyone.”
“I didn’t know Messi was in the group chat. Campana needed tickets for the event on Sunday. Messi popped in “How many do you need?” @FelipeCar 🗣️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6VOKrt8t6k
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 20, 2023
Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, provided an update on the situation, stating, “From what I have seen up to now, they are fit to play, and it is likely that on Friday they can be there.” Martino added, “Whether that will be as starters or coming in at the half, we will have to make that decision yet, but as I see it, Leo as well as Busi can play [on Friday],” while talking to ESPN Fútbol 12.
🚨 Resell tickets for Lionel Messi’s debut match with Inter Miami on Friday are going for $110,000. Via @CNN.pic.twitter.com/UiSlyBmSWT
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 18, 2023
According to reports, tickets for Friday’s game are selling for as high as $110,000, indicating the immense excitement surrounding the debut of arguably the greatest soccer player of all time.
Some sections of fans pointed out that benching Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets on their debut is not surprising, as even other veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t complete the whole 90 minutes in their first appearance. Ronaldo played 60 minutes in his debut for Al-Nassr when he captained the Riyadh All-Star XI in a friendly against Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain.
MLS All-Star need Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets as they were thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal
Inter Miami and MLS are eagerly anticipating the debut of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in the MLS. Miami needs the duo to help them climb up the league table, while MLS hopes their addition will prevent future drubbings like the recent 5-0 loss to Arsenal in Washington D.C. during the Gunners’ USA pre-season tour.
Arsenal showcased their strength with five different goal scorers, including Gabriel Jesus, Leonardo Trossard, Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz.
👏 20,621 👏
New attendance record at @AudiField.#MLSAllStar Game pres. by @Target pic.twitter.com/cezjd3OFwS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2023
The American fan base of the English side actively attended the game and celebrated every goal against their own league’s players. The 27th MLS All-Star game recorded a record attendance of 20,621. However, it didn’t yield the desired result for the American Soccer Association.
MLS will be pinning their hopes on Lionel Messi and Co. to turn the tides in favor of the American League when he joins the MLS All-Star side in the 28th Edition of the spectacle.
