After registering two goals and an assist on his return against Philadelphia Union the Argentine is making up for lost time in MLS.
Last weekend Lionel Messi ended his three-month MLS absence in predictable style. Inter Miami conceded an early goal against Philadelphia Union in Messi’s comeback game but the Argentine grabbed a quick-fire brace to put his team ahead and set up his old friend Luis Suarez in the dying moments.
That 3-1 victory for Inter Miami has only served to heighten expectations around a team that were already on track to break the MLS single-season points record. Messi looks back to top form for Miami and head coach Tata Martino confirmed that his captain would be included in the squad for trips to Atlanta United and New York City FC.
Martino told reporters on Tuesday: “Leo is fine, he ended the game well. Tired, obviously. It’s the first 90 minutes in a long time, but it ended very well. He is going to travel to both games. He is available but there are three games this week with travel included, so we have to see it day by day.”
Inter Miami predicted team to play Atlanta United
After a statement performance in the win over Philadelphia, Lionel Messi has catapulted himself back into the conversation for MLS Most Valuable Player. On Wednesday the Herons take on Atlanta, and we expect Messi to retain his place in the starting XI.
Inter Miami predicted team news: Callender; Weigandt, Kryvtsov, Fray, Alba; Gressel, Ruiz, Redondo; Messi, Suarez, Taylor
The only major absentee for Inter Miami is Sergio Busquets, who is suspended for Wednesday’s game. He picked up another booking in the Union victory and will be forced to sit out the match, as will young defender Tomas Aviles.