Lionel Messi expected to start for Inter Miami against Atletico de San Luis in Leagues Cup opener
Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami against Atletico de San Luis at Nu Stadium in Miami on Wednesday, August 5 in the Leagues Cup 2026, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirming that Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are back to full fitness. Barring any last‑minute injuries, both players are expected to be in the starting lineup.
Inter Miami open their Phase One Leagues Cup campaign against Mexican side Atletico de San Luis after going unbeaten in their last seven Major League Soccer matches. Their most recent domestic fixture was a 2-2 home draw with Columbus Crew in which Luis Suarez scored; Suarez will not take part against San Luis because he is serving a six‑match ban for spitting on an opponent during last season’s Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders. German Berterame is also out with an injury.
Messi returned from a busy World Cup schedule in which he captained Argentina to the final, a 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time. The 39-year-old played 37 minutes in the draw with Columbus and did not have much impact in that game. Having enjoyed a couple of days’ rest, he will be looking to return to goalscoring form for the Herons.
With Suarez suspended and Berterame sidelined, Messi is expected to assume the principal goal-scoring responsibility for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup opener. The coach’s confirmation of Messi and Rodrigo De Paul’s fitness leaves the Argentine as the clearest attacking option available.
Only the top four teams from each league progress to the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, and Inter Miami also have group matches against CF Monterrey and Club Leon to come as they aim to defend their title. Securing a positive result in the opening game will be important for their bid to advance.
The Leagues Cup match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 at Nu Stadium in Miami, where Inter Miami will begin their campaign against Atletico de San Luis with Messi expected to lead the attack.
