Lionel Messi’s debut game for Inter Miami will come in the 2023 Leagues Cup, with the schedule being tweaked slightly because of the player.
Messi is expected to make his bow for the Major League Soccer (MLS) against Cruz Azul on July 21.
That highly-anticipated contest will take place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with Messi getting an early chance to showcase his talents to the Florida locals.
Inter Miami’s meeting with Mexican opposition has been moved forward to be the opening game in the inaugural Leagues Cup, alongside a clash involving Orlando City and Houston Dynamo.
The two games will kick-off at the same time (8pm ET), ensuring that as many eyes as possible will be on Messi in what will be his debut for the third club side of his career – following spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Leagues Cup has stated that the decision to move a fixture involving 2022 World Cup winner Messi has been made to ensure an optimal experience for all fans in the stadium, as well as those tuning in to follow broadcasts from afar.