Inter Miami's opening game of the 2023 Leagues Cup has been dominated by the expected debut of Lionel Messi in Florida. And while the buzz is palpable with stars like LeBron James and Tom Brady in attendance, fans will have to be patient as he was not listed in the starting lineup.
LIVE: Follow Messi's debut for Inter Miami
Messi's switch to the USA has been a huge story in MLS circles in recent weeks with Inter Miami fans itching to get a glimpse of their new superstar.
Inter Miami have struggled in league action this season and head coach Tata Martino will be hoping this competition can be a springboard for their campaign, with the Argentina legend in tow.
Though he not is getting the starting nod, Messi is still expected to make an appearance with Martino looking to manage his game time in the weeks ahead starting with his debut.
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Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul?
The build up to this game has been filled with questions over Messi's involvement with Martino looking to balance the huge glare on his new No.10.
Tata: “Messi and Busquets will play on Friday. I’m not sure if they will start. The first thing I want is for them to keep training. Jordi Alba became a dad today and that’s why he’ll come in the next few days.” #InterMiamiCF https://t.co/KSG6Lb5e0R
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) July 19, 2023
Martino's comments hinted at Messi coming off the bench for a cameo role against Cruz Azul, with his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also in line for some action in Florida. Indeed, Messi was not listed in the starting XI for the game.
Tonight’s Starting XI vs Cruz Azul#CAZvMIA | 8:00PM ET |📺 #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/xAKfYsdSf5
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 21, 2023
Jordi Alba will have to wait for his first run out in the USA as Martino continues his plan to create a mini Barcelona in Miami.
Inter Miami preseason latest news
Despite the huge fanfare surrounding Messi landing in the USA, he is still behind his new teammates in terms of match fitness, after weeks of inaction.
Messi's final season at PSG finished on June 3, and he played a reduced part in Argentina's June friendlies, as speculation over a move to MLS continued.
The 36-year-old remains injury free, and surely won't take long to get up to speed, but the Leagues Cup is likely to be used as a warm up, with Martino wanting Messi fit for league games from the end of August onwards.
Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul kickoff time
This match between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will be played at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday July 21 (US time) and will kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time in the USA.
Here’s how that time translates in time zones across the world:
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul date, start time
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Fri, July 21 | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Fri, July 21 | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, July 22 | 1:00 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Sat, July 22 | 10:00 a.m. AEST |
| India | Sat, July 22 | 5:30 a.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Sat, July 22 | 8:00 a.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Sat, July 22 | 8:00 a.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Sat, July 22 | 8:00 a.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Sat, July 22 | 12:00 a.m. NZST |
