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.
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
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 |
