When is Lionel Messi’s next Inter Miami match? Potential MLS debut against New York Red Bulls detailed
Lionel Messi fever continues to grip the world of U.S. soccer.
The 36-year-old has already led Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory and, now, they are into the final of the U.S. Open Cup after another penalty shootout victory, this time against Cincinnati.
But before worrying about the final of that competition, against Houston Dynamo, a return to MLS action awaits.
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When is Messi’s next game?
Messi and Inter Miami are next in action against New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT, 12:30am BST).
How can I watch and stream it?
All MLS matches are available through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Where are Inter Miami in the MLS standings?
It is the first opportunity they have had to move off the bottom of the Eastern Conference since July 16 when they were beaten 3-0 by St. Louis City. With just 18 points from 22 MLS games prior to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami need their league form to match their results across both cup competitions if they want to reach the postseason.
They do have at least one game in hand over every other team in the Eastern Conference, but they are 14 points adrift of qualifying for the Wild Card round and 20 points away from Atlanta United in the final play-off spot.
Gerardo Martino’s side have just 12 more MLS games left to narrow those deficits.
Why hasn’t Messi played in MLS yet?
Messi has already played eight times for his new club, yet none of them have been in MLS.
That is because he joined just after the defeat to St. Louis City, the final game before the league’s mid-season break. The Leagues Cup was introduced to be played during that break between U.S. and Mexican sides and that is how Messi has racked up so many Inter Miami appearances without any in the league.
The World Cup winner was scheduled to play his first MLS match against Charlotte on August 20 but Inter Miami’s progression in the Leagues Cup meant that game was postponed with a new date yet to be confirmed.
Then came the U.S. Open Cup semi-final. The latest of Inter Miami’s penalty shootout victories was booked prior to Messi’s arrival, although it is fair to say that a place in the final would not have been secured without him, as he provided two assists in the 3-3 draw before scoring his penalty.
Is Martino planning to rest Messi?
Despite Messi becoming a master of preserving his energy in games, asking a 36-year-old to play every game is not wise, especially with the first seven matches being played within 33 days.
Regular game time has never been an issue for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner — he arrived in Miami having played 53 games for PSG and Argentina last season — but Martino wants to avoid running him into the ground at all costs.
After the penalty shoutout win against Cincinnati, the Inter Miami head coach said: “We’ve played eight games. It’s clear that Leo, just like many other players, is arriving at an important physical limit.
“From today on, we’ll begin to evaluate how to handle, at minimum, the next three games.”
Although, it is hard to imagine Martino will deny his compatriot — as well as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba — an MLS debut this weekend. A future fixture is likely to be outlined.
GO DEEPER
In hosting Messi, the New York Red Bulls will get a reminder of a bygone era
(Top photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
