He's signed, he's been unveiled and he's even begun training. Now all that's left is for Lionel Messi to make his official Inter Miami CF debut.
Will it happen Friday night (8:00 pm ET | Apple TV - MLS Season Pass, Univision) against Liga MX's Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup action?
How to watch and stream
- Apple TV - MLS Season Pass
- Univision
When
- Friday, July 21 | 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT
Where
- DRV PNK Stadium | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Miami have gone all-out during the Secondary Transfer Window, bringing in Messi and fellow FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as new manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino (who coached all three superstars at the LaLiga giants) takes the reins in South Florida. It's all part of a massively ambitious plan to turn the club into an MLS – and regional – powerhouse.
They can take a promising first step towards said objective via Leagues Cup, a World Cup-style tournament pitting Major League Soccer and Liga MX clubs against each other that grants access to next year's Concacaf Champions Cup. Prize money is on the line, too.
In addition to Cruz Azul, the Herons will also face Atlanta United on Tuesday, July 25 (Apple TV - MLS Season Pass) as they look to advance to the knockout stages.
Miami resume their MLS campaign on Saturday, Aug. 20 when hosting Charlotte FC at DRV PNK Stadium – the first of 12 remaining league matches that will determine whether they qualify for the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
They'll also face Supporters' Shield-leading FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinals on Aug. 23.
