After an edge-of-the-seat thrilling run for the Leagues Cup title and a high-octane comeback victory in the US Open Cup semifinal, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to get down to the main job at hand, which is the MLS.

The Major League Soccer season returns in full flight as Miami prepares to climb from the bottom of the Eastern Conference table to the playoff positions. The Herons will travel to the tri-state to face the New York Red Bulls in hopes of winning the game. The game’s pull is such that authorities have decided to screen the game in the middle of New York.

A daunting task to overcome for Inter Miami in the MLS

Since his arrival in the United States, Messi has been mesmerizing fans with his performances for Inter Miami. He was heavily influential in Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph, with 10 goals under his belt in eight cup matches for the Herons. Messi also helped Miami in securing a place in the US Open Cup final, with a dramatic comeback victory against MLS table toppers FC Cincinnati. But now Messi-led Miami faces a daunting challenge in front of them, as they look to resurge in the MLS. Currently sitting on the bottom of the table, Miami will be hoping for the Argentine’s touch of class to start their journey towards playoffs.

The people of New York will be rushing to see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner live in action at the Red Bull Arena. The ticket pricing for the game has been soaring high (with up to $5000 per ticket), as New York is a high-profile corporate market, and many sponsors for the league are headquartered in the city. Looking at the intensity and anticipation prior to the game, Apple TV has decided to screen the game on a giant screen in Times Square.

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It will be interesting to see the enthusiasm and excitement among fans for the league game. With Apple TV also televising the match in a crowded Times Square, fans will be hoping that the World Cup winner graces the pitch. Meanwhile, Miami head coach Gerard [Tata] Martino reported doubts regarding Messi’s fitness.

Lionel Messi’s recovery a question for Inter Miami and Martino

Inter Miami CF have shown their best form since the arrival of Messi and his former two Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. They have been on a winning streak since their arrival, being unbeaten in eight games, including their Leagues Cup triumph and the road to the US Open Cup final. Head Coach Tata Martino hinted after the shoot-out win against FC Cincinnati that Messi and a few other starters might need a break after Miami’s jam-packed schedule in the past month. Martino addressed the issue of load management for his players, including the 36-year-old star man, Messi.

He said, “Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from this point forward, we will have to evaluate how we approach these next three games.”

When asked about Messi’s availability for the game against NY Red Bulls, he said, “We will see after training [Friday night], after we talk to the players. They have been resting since the Cincinnati game, with just a light training session at the hotel.”

“I understand the expectations the rest of the world has to watch him, that is undeniable. But I cannot act based on that because if I do I would risk doing things wrong. The only thing I am concerned about if is he is able to play,” Martino added.

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Looking at Tata Martino’s comments, it would not be a shock if Messi starts the game on the bench at the Red Bull Arena. The NY Red Bulls are in 11th position in the table, 11 points ahead of Inter Miami, and will be hoping to increase their point gap further. Lionel Messi’s MLS debut will be worth watching if he plays at the Red Bull Arena.

Inter Miami will be facing the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, August 26 at the Red Bull Arena.

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