Lionel Messi’s MLS debut has been POSTPONED: Inter Miami’s highly anticipated August 20 game against Charlotte was suddenly pushed back
- Messi has only played in the Leagues Cup since coming to Miami this summer
- Their progression in the league means his MLS bend has been pushed back
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Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated MLS debut on August 20 has been postponed due to Inter Miami’s progression in the Leagues Cup, the club has announced.
Messi has started his Miami career at lightning speed, scoring seven goals in his first four games, including a 94th-minute free-kick winner on his debut against Cruz Azul.
However, all four of those appearances have been in the Leagues Cup, where he has helped Tata Martino’s men reach the quarter-finals this season.
Argentina’s World Cup winning captain has to wait for his MLS bow, and after Sunday’s penalty shootout win over FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup round of 16, he will now have to wait a little longer.
Messi was due to make his first league appearance against Charlotte FC at the DRV PNK stadium on Sunday, August 20, but that match has now been postponed as the two sides also meet in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup this Friday.
Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated MLS debut with Inter Miami on August 20 has been postponed
Messi has only played in the Leagues Cup so far since signing for Miami this summer
That means either Miami or Charlotte will be in this season’s semi-finals, and with both the final and third place on Saturday, August 19, either of them won’t be able to complete their MLS match the next day .
Inter have announced that all tickets for the August 20 match will be honored for the new date when it is confirmed.
Messi will be hoping to continue his incredible form in the Leagues Cup against Charlotte on Friday after a string of influential performances in the group stage and round of 16.
Following his breathtaking winner against Cruz Azul, the 36-year-old scored three straight doubles to propel Miami to the last eight, including a late equalizer in Sunday’s victory over Dallas.
Once again, Messi struck gold from a free kick, curling the ball into the top right corner to make it 4-4 and send the match to extra time.
He then successfully saved his penalty kick in the resulting shootout as Miami booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Just a month into his spell at the club, Messi is already tied for fourth in Miami’s history with seven goals.
His dramatic equalizer against Dallas on Sunday put him level with current teammate Josef Martinez and former players Lewis Morgan and Rodolfo Pizarro.
The Argentine has made a flying start in America, scoring seven goals in his first four games
The only players to have scored more than Messi are Gonzalo Higuain (29) and current Inter players Leo Campana (16) and Robert Taylor (8).
Messi has revitalized a franchise that was struggling earlier this season, and his country believes the United States now has an alien in their presence.
During his stunning start in Miami, the Argentine Football Association released an emotional video in which he pays tribute to their captain and jokes that an “alien” has been spotted in the United States.
“They say you can see aliens in the United States,” the video reads president of the Argentine Football Association Claudio Tapia, begins. Indeed, the first time they saw him turn a free kick in the 93rd minute.
And some saw him again a few hours ago when he got into the quarterfinals. With a shot from another galaxy, it’s a supernatural phenomenon.’