Lionel Messi, the legendary football player, has made his official move to Inter Miami CF. After being formally presented to fans and receiving his iconic No. 10 jersey, Messi wasted no time and joined his new team for his first training session. However, fans are eagerly waiting for the moment when Messi will step onto the field to make his competitive debut for Miami.
The Timing and Importance of Messi’s Arrival
Messi’s arrival coincides with a unique period in the season for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. The league is currently on a month-long break from regular-season play to participate in the highly anticipated inter-continental Leagues Cup. This tournament brings together a total of 47 teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX in a thrilling World Cup-style competition.
Now, let’s dive into all the details you need to know about Messi’s first game with Inter Miami!
What is Lionel Messi’s Debut Game with Inter Miami?
Messi’s inaugural game for Inter Miami will take place in the Leagues Cup opener at 8 p.m. ET on Friday. He will face off against Cruz Azul, a formidable team from Liga MX, at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Where Can You Watch Lionel Messi’s Debut?
You can catch Messi’s Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul, along with all the other Leagues Cup games, on MLS Season Pass available on Apple TV. Additionally, the Inter Miami-Cruz Azul match will be broadcasted on Univision.
Understanding the Leagues Cup
The Leagues Cup, previously held in 2019 and 2021 with limited MLS and Liga MX team participation, is now set to witness every team from the two leagues competing. Divided into 15 groups across four regions (East, Central, South, and West), the group stage of the tournament will run from July 21 to July 31. The top two teams from each group, except Group 1 from the South Region, will proceed to the single-elimination knockout rounds starting on August 2. The final match is scheduled for August 19.
Meet Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami CF is one of the newest additions to Major League Soccer, commencing its inaugural season in 2020. The team’s journey traces back to David Beckham’s signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. As part of his deal, Beckham had the option to purchase an MLS expansion team for $25 million. In February 2014, Beckham exercised that option, paving the way for Miami’s own soccer team. Finally, on March 1, 2020, Inter Miami CF made its long-anticipated debut.
On the field, Inter Miami is yet to establish itself as a leading MLS team. The team narrowly missed the playoffs in 2020 and suffered a similar fate in 2021. In the 2022 season, Inter Miami secured a sixth-place finish in the Eastern Conference but faced an early exit from the playoffs. However, the team is currently in contention for their first-ever trophy, having reached the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They will face FC Cincinnati on August 23.
Inter Miami plays its home games at DRV PNK Stadium, a 19,100-capacity venue situated within a 34-acre training facility. In 2025, the team is expected to move to the new Miami Freedom Park, featuring a soccer-specific stadium. It is quite likely that Messi will still be a part of the team when they inaugurate their new stadium.
Get to Know Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul is one of the prominent teams competing in Liga MX, Mexico’s top club soccer division. The team, founded in 1927, shares Mexico City’s renowned Estadio Azteca with Club América and the Mexican national soccer team. Cruz Azul holds an impressive record, having won the Concacaf Champions League six times. They emerged victorious in the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2019, defeating Liga MX rival Tigres UANL in the final.
Enhanced Leagues Cup Broadcasts on Apple TV
With Messi donning the Inter Miami jersey for the Leagues Cup, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV will provide enhanced coverage of these matches. The broadcasts will include an array of features, such as 18 cameras, a Steadicam, four slow-motion cameras, a Skycam, and even a drone camera. Sideline reporters will be present for both Spanish and English broadcasts, with an on-site one-hour pregame show.
Inter Miami’s 2023 Schedule
Here are the upcoming matches for Inter Miami in 2023:
- July 21 vs. Cruz Azul (Leagues Cup), 8 p.m. ET
- July 25: vs. Atlanta United (Leagues Cup), 7:30 p.m. ET
- Aug. 20: vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Aug. 23: at FC Cincinnati (U.S. Open Cup), 7 p.m. ET
- Aug. 26: at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Aug. 30: vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 3: at Los Angeles FC, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 9: vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 16: at Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 20: vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 24: at Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 30: vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 4: at Chicago Fire FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 7: vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 21: at Charlotte FC, 6 p.m. ET
Watch Lionel Messi in Action with Inter Miami
Except for the U.S. Open Cup semifinal game on Aug. 23, which will be available on CBS Sports’ Golazo Network, you can catch all of Inter Miami’s other games, including Messi’s performances, on MLS Season Pass using Apple TV.
(Note: This article has been written for Thumbuddy To Love. Explore more about Thumbuddy To Love here.)
