Inter Miami vs. Atlas: 6:30 am on 31/7, Hanoi time.

"We didn't expect the suspension, but we needed to rest Messi after a string of consecutive matches," Mascherano said on 29/7 at a press conference before Inter Miami's opening Leagues Cup group stage match. "In a way, the suspension is a good thing for him. Messi will be fresher to start this new marathon, both in the Leagues Cup and MLS."

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Nashville SC in Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on 12/7/2025. Photo: AP

Messi and defender Jordi Alba withdrew from the friendly match between the MLS All-Stars and the Liga MX All-Stars on 24/7 without MLS approval. As a result, the two former Barcelona players were suspended for Inter Miami's 0-0 draw with FC Cincinnati on 26/7.

Messi and Alba will return when Inter Miami begin their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign against Mexican club Atlas at their home ground, DRV PNK Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 6:30 am on 31/7, Hanoi time. "Unless there are further suspensions, both Messi and Jordi will play," Mascherano joked.

Inter Miami signed Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's close teammate in the Argentina national team, ahead of the Leagues Cup. However, Mascherano said the Argentine midfielder is still training separately and cannot play yet because he has not completed his US work visa process.

"Once the procedures are complete, De Paul will play," the Argentine coach said. "De Paul is a dynamic player who can play both centrally and on the wing. More importantly, he has great chemistry with Messi, which is a big advantage for us."

Rodrigo De Paul's Inter Miami debut on 28/7. Photo: Inter Miami

The Leagues Cup is an annual tournament for clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. The tournament is organized by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to increase competition between the two top leagues in the region.

After a trial run in 2019, the Leagues Cup officially expanded in 2023. All MLS and Liga MX clubs participate, totaling nearly 50 teams. The tournament consists of a group stage and knockout rounds (round of 32, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final). All matches are held in the US and Canada. The top three teams qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the continental club championship.

In 2023, Inter Miami won their first Leagues Cup title, which was also Messi's first title in the US. They failed to defend their title in 2024, losing to Columbus Crew in the round of 16.

Hong Duy (ESPN)