Is Lionel Messi playing tonight for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United in MLS Cup playoffs?

The MLS record holders are 1-0 up in the tri-series.

Inter Miami, who won the MLS Supporters’ Shield in style this season with the help of Lionel Messi, can relax a bit as they are already 1-0 up in the tri-series style playoffs against Atlanta United. But one needs to be wary however as Atlanta are one of just four teams that have defeated the Herons this season. Nevertheless after a 2-1 win at home, under the leadership of Tata Martino, the Miami-based outfit will be looking for the second win.

It will help them progress directly without the need to play the third of the tri-series games. In the first game, Inter Miami clearly dominated possession as they managed to hold 66 per cent of it. However, there have been some downsides to note from the game.

Although we saw them hit a massive 12 shots on target, they just managed to score two goals. Even their megastar Lionel Messi couldn’t do much about it. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to find the back of the net. He did however thrive somewhat by providing an assist in the game after playing the full match.

Will Lionel Messi play against Atlanta United?

A total of 70,000 spectators are reportedly set to witness this clash. But will Messi feature? A game prior, Lionel Messi was the star of the show. Against the New England Revolution, he came off the bench to score a hattrick and earn his team a 6-2 victory.

It did help break the MLS record of 73 points, as they managed to total 74 points on the final day with a win. Now Inter Miami will be playing away from home. This can be some concern with the added sight of losing their best-holding midfielder.

Playoffs bound ✈️ Vamos Miami 🤩 pic.twitter.com/C8X8zpKifO

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 1, 2024

Sergio Busquets is likely to be out of this fixture. The former Barcelona player is down with illness. Thus, the Herons will need magic from the rest of the players if this is the case, and Busquets doesn’t take the field on matchday.

Who better to provide the magic than Lionel Messi? None, right? The Argentine player isn’t suspended neither has any injury concern. Expect the coach to start him in this game. Messi is more than likely to play and will be looking to help his side move into the semi-finals.

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