MLS
David Beckham reveals whether or not Lionel Messi will make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul
Last weekend, Herons boss Gerardo Martino cast doubt on whether the former Barcelona star would play in the Leagues Cup fixture.
Friday 21 July 2023. Cruz Azul. The new and improved Leagues Cup. From the moment Lionel Messi revealed he would be signing for Inter Miami back in June, it has been assumed that the ex-Barcelona superstar would make his first appearance for David Beckham’s Herons on that date, against those opponents and in that competition.
In the aftermath of last weekend’s defeat to St. Louis City SC, recently-installed head coach Gerard Martino cast doubt over whether that would actually be the case, sending fans who had splashed out a fortune on tickets for the fixture into a panic. “We’re obviously excited that the best player in the world will play for our team, but we also need to show patience to ensure that he is physically fit and starts playing at the right time”, stated Martino.
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And his unveiling at DRV PNK Stadium the following day, Messi appeared to play down those fears by signing off with “See you on Friday,” after addressing the Inter Miami support.
Beckham expects Messi to play some part against Cruz Azul
And following his first training session with his new teammates on Tuesday, Beckham gave different interviews to the press and revealed that he does expect Messi to make his debut against Cruz Azul, although there is a good chance it will come as a substitute.
“We don’t know if he starts in this game. He’s obviously just come off a few weeks’ break, so he needs to be given time to adapt to the weather, the humidity and his teammates as well.
“The decision will be down to the coach and down to Leo, but he looks great. He’s a professional player so he’s looked after himself during the time that he’s had with his family on vacation. But hopefully he’ll play at some point on Friday”.
Messi likely to come off the bench in Leagues Cup
Beckham reiterated those thoughts speaking to ESPN: “We don’t know if Leo will start the game or whether he’ll come on, because I think at the end of the day, he needs to be ready. I think Leo and [head coach] Tata [Martino] will decide when he plays and when he comes on on Friday, but the atmosphere here will be incredible, and hopefully we get a win”.
If you’re one of those who has splashed out on a ticket, focus more on Beckham’s “when he comes on” than his “hopefully he’ll play”...