Lionel Messi will return to the field for Inter Miami when the club begins its Leagues Cup campaign against Atlético de San Luis, a Mexican Liga MX team. The annual tournament features top soccer clubs from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with MLS and Liga MX teams competing in the group stage.
This marks Messi's first club appearance in nearly two and a half weeks, following Argentina's loss in the World Cup final to Spain.
Inter Miami enters the match as significant favorites, with moneyline odds of -300. The team boasts an experienced roster that includes former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul. However, Suárez will not play in this match due to a six-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Despite Suárez's absence, Messi and De Paul are expected to lead the Inter Miami attack. Messi has a strong record in the Leagues Cup, with twelve goals and three assists in ten career appearances, and was named Best Player in a previous season. Inter Miami has a 14-3 all-time record in the tournament and won it in 2023.
Atlético de San Luis's offense is led by João Pedro, a two-time leading goal scorer in Liga MX. However, the team has historically struggled in the Leagues Cup, failing to advance past the first round in nine appearances and holding an all-time record of 3-6. They will also be without striker Germán Berterame for this game. The match will hinge on San Luis's ability to contain Inter Miami's veteran-laden offense.