Lionel Messi set for substitution appearance in MLS debut vs New York

Inter Miami are unbeaten in every competition since Messi’s arrival

Lionel Messi is ready to make his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls. Inter Miami fans and the supporters of other teams in the USA will be eager to watch one of the best players in the world.

However, the debut could be a short one for the Argentine. He has made eight appearances since joining the club in July.

“We will assess further after this evening’s training,” Martino said. “It is inevitable that we will not have him at some point.” These were the words of the coach on Messi’s availability.

The 36-year-old Messi has played every minute of Miami’s past six games and looked exhausted at times in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal win.

The team flew straight to New York from Ohio, and had a recovery session at the hotel after arriving Thursday. It was set to have a light practice Friday at Red Bull Arena.

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“This will happen at least three times this year, and next year more,” Martino said regarding the potential resting of Messi, either for an entire game or part of one. “We will have to find a solution.”

Inter Miami at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference — 14 points adrift of the final playoff spot — Martino surely knows he’ll need to use Messi as much as possible the rest of the way.

“I understand the expectations the rest of the world has to watch him, and that is undeniable,” Martino said. “But I cannot act based on that, because then I would risk doing things wrong.”

Lionel Messi has shown his magic while playing for Miami. He has scored 10 goals and created three in eight games. An off-the-bench cameo in this game could prove to be crucial for his side.

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