Inter Miami welcome Nashville SC to Chase Stadium tonight in the second leg of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16. Needless to say, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as the Argentine star returns to the starting lineup.
The Argentine superstar was rested against Montreal on Sunday, when the Herons suffered their first loss of the year. Last week, Leo was seen in pain during his side’s 2-2 draw at Geodis Park in the first leg of the tie against Nashville.
In the second half of the match, Messi was the victim of a high boot by Lukas MacNaughton, who didn’t even see the yellow card for the play. The 36-year-old finished the game regardless, but his absence last weekend raised concern.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino later said that resting Messi against Montreal was always part of the plan, regardless of what happened in Nashville. On Wednesday, Martino made it clear the 8x Ballon d’Or winner was ready to come back for the Concachampions clash.
Gerardo Martino (left) and Lionel Messi.
Messi headlines Inter Miami’s lineup
With Messi back at team practice this week, Inter Miami got their captain and No. 10 ready to lead the team at Chase Stadium tonight.
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Though the season is just getting started, this match already means a lot to the club’s aspirations, which is why Martino is fielding the strongest possible team with Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba surrounding Leo.
Inter Miami starting XI: Drake Callender; Julian Gressel, Tomas Aviles, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Nicolas Freire, Jordi Alba; Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Diego Gomez; Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.
Nashville SC’s lineup
Gary Smith decided to rest most of the players who started in the first leg against Inter Miami when they took on LA Galaxy on Sunday, with only one change as Taylor Washington is replacing Walker Zimmerman.
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Lukas MacNaughton speaks on online abuse and Lionel Messi foul
Nashville SC’s lineup: Joe Willis; Shaquell Moore, Lukas MacNaughton, Taylor Washington, Dan Lovitz; Sean Davis, Anibal Godoy; Alex Muyl, Hany Mukhtar, Jacob Shaffelburg; Tyler Boyd.
