MLS
Messi’s MLS debut postponed: when could Inter Miami star make first league appearance?
Lionel Messi was due to get his first MLS run-out for Inter Miami on 20 August, but the Herons’ regular-season clash with Charlotte is to be rescheduled.
With the Leagues Cup heading into its final stages, the return of MLS action is now approaching, as franchises in the North American league prepare for the resumption of the domestic competition on Sunday 20 August.
That was expected to be the date of Lionel Messi’s MLS debut for Inter Miami, against Charlotte FC at the Herons’ DRV PNK Stadium. However, it has now been confirmed that soccer fans will have to wait a little longer to see the World Cup winner make his league bow.
Charlotte postponement delays Messi MLS debut
On Wednesday, Miami announced that their regular-season clash with Charlotte has been postponed because of the two teams’ involvement in the latter rounds of the Leagues Cup.
Miami and Charlotte are to meet in the quarter-finals of the MLS-Liga MX inter-league tournament this week, meaning that one of the two is certain to feature in either the final or the third-place playoff, which are both scheduled for 19 August.
When will Messi make his MLS debut now?
Messi’s first MLS appearance for Miami may now come in a road game against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday 26 August.
Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: key Leagues Cup info
Having beaten FC Dallas on penalties in the round of 16 - after Messi scored twice in a 4-4 draw - Inter Miami host Charlotte in the last eight of the Leagues Cup on Friday 11 August, with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.
Charlotte reached the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Houston Dynamo.