The simple reason why Lionel Messi is not starting for Inter Miami in his first game

Micah Adams

The simple reason why Lionel Messi is not starting for Inter Miami in his first game image

The moment MLS fans have been waiting for is finally here. Donning his new Inter Miami threads, Lionel Messi received a hero's welcome when he walked onto the pitch for pregame at DRV PNK Stadium. With Tom Brady, LeBron James and Serena Williams all on hand for his first game, this certainly didn't feel like your typical Friday night for an MLS side.

And when the referee blew the opening whistle, Messi was . . . on the bench?

Those who have been closely following Messi's arrival to the United States were not surprised when Messi — along with midfielder Sergio Busquets — was not included in Inter Miami's starting lineup. But for the thousands of casual fans in attendance and millions of others tuning in to see this momentous occasion, the sight of Messi on the bench surely caused a double take.

But fear not; there's a very simple explanation.

MORE: Watch every Messi game with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 50% off the full price

While the MLS season is in full swing, Messi's late arrival during the summer transfer window from PSG means he's squarely in preseason mode. The Argentine hasn't played since June 3 in his final game for PSG and is not yet in form. The MLS season runs from February to October but Messi is coming off two decades spent in Europe when he's typically kicking off his season in August.

Inter Miami has struggled in league action this season but head coach Tata Martino is in no hurry to rush Messi and Busquets into the mix. While their arrival could catapult Inter Miami up the standings with a late-season push, fans shouldn't expect either to be playing a full 90 right from the jump. Martino said as much in the run-up to Messi's debut.

On Thursday, Busquets conceded that he would also need considerable time to ramp up as he looks to find his fitness. When asked how many minutes he would play on Friday, the longtime Barcelona legend said it would "be virtually impossible to play 90 minutes."

MORE: Inter Miami beginner's guide | Messi's new stadium | Club owners | New coach

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami schedule 2023

Leagues Cup

Messi's debut on Friday agains Cruz Azul was part of the Leagues Cup. Pending results, Inter Miami could have as many as six more games in the tournament before resuming MLS league play in late August.

Date Time (ET) Home / Away Opponent
July 25 7:30 p.m. Home Atlanta United
Aug. 2-4 TBD TBD Round of 32
Aug. 6-8 TBD TBD Round of 16
Aug. 11-12 TBD TBD Quarterfinals
Aug. 15. TBD TBD Semifinals
Aug. 19 TBD TBD Final

MLS

Inter Miami has 11 MLS matchdays remaining ahead of the MLS Cuo playoffs. If the club finishes in one of the top nine places in the Eastern Conference, they'll advance to postseason competition. The club currently ranks 15th and last in the conference with 18 points (5-14-3).

Date Time (ET) Home/Away Opponent
Aug. 20 7:30 p.m. Home Charlotte FC
Aug. 26 7:30 p.m. Away NY Red Bulls
Aug. 30 7:30 p.m. Home Nashville SC
Sept. 3 10:30 p.m. Away LAFC
Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Home Sporting KC
Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Away Atlanta United
Sept. 20 7:30 p.m. Home Toronto FC
Sept. 24 7:30 p.m. Away Orlando City
Sept. 30 7:30 p.m. Home NYCFC
Oct. 4 8:30 p.m. Away Chicago Fire
Oct. 7 7:30 p.m. Home FC Cincinnati
Oct. 21 6 p.m. Away Charlotte FC

MORE: Inter Miami can still make MLS playoffs with Lionel Messi

U.S. Open Cup

Inter Miami is also playing in the U.S. Open Cup with its first game slated for August 23.

Date Time (ET) Home/Away Opponent Round
Aug. 23 7 p.m. Away FC Cincinnati Semifinal
Sept. 27 TBD TBD TBD Final

Micah Adams

Micah Adams Photo

Micah Adams is a Managing Editor and Head of Affiliate and Commercial Content at Sporting News. Prior to joining SN in 2021, Adams spent over a decade producing and leading content teams at ESPN, DAZN and The Social Institute. Adams graduated from Duke University in 2009 and remains a Cameron Crazie at heart well into his 30s. When not losing sleep or hair over the Blue Devils, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bulls, and USMNT, Adams enjoys chasing his two small children around along with his wife, losing golf balls, spending time outdoors and binging terrible movies.