ESPN.com · Jul 25, 2023
Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets make first Inter Miami starts
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets were both named in Inter Miami CF's starting lineup on Tuesday night for the first time since joining the MLS side.
The former Barcelona teammates will anchor Miami's side in its Leagues Cup matchup with Atlanta United FC at DRV PNK stadium after coming on as substitutes to make their debuts in a dramatic win over Cruz Azul on Friday that saw Messi win the game on the final kick.
The game is also Miami manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino's first against his former club Atlanta, which he led to the MLS Cup title in 2018. Martino, who was named Miami coach on June 28, confirmed on Monday that Messi would be the team's captain against Atlanta and moving forward.