Lionel Messi is not in his side’s starting XI for the first time since his debut for Inter Miami. Coach Tata Martino initially decided against the world champions from Argentina for the away game against the New York Red Bulls and delayed their first appearance in Major League Soccer.
Messi has made eight appearances for Miami so far, scoring ten goals. But all these games were cup competitions. He won the first edition of the Leagues Cup with Miami and secured the team’s first title. Inter Miami recently reached the final of the US Open Cup.
Messi’s MLS debut is eagerly awaited by fans and media alike. US media reported that the cheapest tickets for the Miami-New York game on the secondary market two hours before kick-off were $470 and several thousand dollars for the best seats. Apple TV, which became MLS rights holder this season, will also show the game on giant LED screens in the famous Times Square.
The achievements since Messi’s arrival contrast with Miami’s situation in Major League Soccer. The team is bottom of the Eastern Conference, 14 points behind the playoff spots. Twelve games are still to be played. Like Messi, Sergio Busquets will initially be on the bench against the Red Bulls. The third newcomer with a past at FC Barcelona, Jordi Alba, starts. (dpa)
2023-08-27 01:14:23
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