Lionel Messi has taken to social media this Monday to ramp up the anticipation that’s been gripping Florida and all of North American soccer these last few hours. On the day after he was officially presented as an Inter Miami FC player, the Argentine posted on his Instagram account to thank his new fans for the warm welcome, and confirm that he would be ready to make his debut at Leagues Cup 2023 this Friday.
Although he had already shown his appreciation towards the supporters and management during his unveiling, Leo was keen to echo that sentiment again: “I want to thank everyone for yesterday. The rain meant that things didn’t go exactly according to plan, but it was still beautiful. Thanks to everyone who came, thank you very much for all the love, and also to all of the artists who were there and who, despite the conditions, performed spectacularly”.
Messi rounded off his message with a nod to the day on which he is set to make his Inter Miami debut: “See you again on Friday”.
Inter Miami will be one of the teams in action on the opening night of Leagues Cup 2023 on July 21, as they host **Cruz Azul** for the first of their two games in the South 3 group. Leo and his teammates will be taking on the winners of the 2019 inaugural edition at 8pm ET (6pm in Mexico City) at DRV PNK Stadium. The forward will be facing the Mexico City-based team for the first time in his career.
La Pulga’s second match will be a clash against a domestic rival, with the team facing Atlanta United FC on July 25. The game will start at 7:30pm ET (5:30pm in Mexico City). Four days later, their two opponents will do battle in the final match of the pool. When he takes to the field against Atlanta United FC, Messi could be playing against another Argentine World Cup winner in Thiago Almada.
Should they finish top of their group, Inter Miami FC will head into the Round of 32, where they will play a team from the South 2 group - which includes cross-state rivals Orlando City - or from South 4. These Playoff fixtures will take place between August 2 and 4.
