Lionel Messi Named Inter Miami's New Captain Ahead of Leagues Cup Showdown

Photo: Instagram/Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has been officially announced as the new captain of Inter Miami, and he is expected to lead the team in their upcoming Leagues Cup clash against Atlanta United.

The Argentine superstar already made an impressive debut for Inter Miami, coming off the bench and netting a stunning last-minute winner against Cruz Azul in their previous match.

Inter Miami's head coach, Gerardo "Tata" Martino, confirmed Messi's captaincy and hinted that both Messi and Sergio Busquets might start the next game, depending on their fitness.

Photo: Instagram/Lionel Messi

Martino praised Messi's greatness and emphasized how the football world tends to normalize his extraordinary performances. The reunion of Messi and former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets on the field added to the excitement of Inter Miami's victory over Cruz Azul.

Finnish winger Robert Taylor also played a crucial role in securing the lead for Inter Miami just before halftime. However, the lead was short-lived, with Cruz Azul equalizing in the 65th minute.

Messi came to Inter Miami's rescue with his trademark free-kick goal, earning them three vital points in the Major League Soccer (MLS) competition. While Messi was often the captain at Barcelona, he never held the official skipper role during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Nevertheless, he led the Argentina football team to a historic FIFA World Cup title in Qatar the previous year. In addition to Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami has signed former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, who may make his debut for the American side during the Leagues Cup fixture against Atlanta United.

DeAndre Yedlin had previously taken up the leadership duties for Inter Miami after Gregore's injury in March. With their fifth domestic league win secured, Inter Miami aims to continue their winning streak and advance to the Leagues Cup round of 32 with a strong performance against Atlanta United.

Read Next: Timberwolves' Kyle Anderson To Represent China In FIBA World Cup As Naturalized Citizen

Source: Hindustan Times 

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